7 Computer Science Fields That Pay Most

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The world of computer science is a very wide one, with various fields being unveiled yearly. These aspects or fields can be applied to various sectors of industries and disciplines, whether the business operation, banking and finance, and so much more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a computer science job is $126,000. Furthermore, studies show that computer science jobs are in high demand, with 17 fields listed in the top 100 best paying jobs in the US.

So, if you find yourself visualizing various tech development or find yourself with a likeness to computer science as a whole but don’t know which field to follow, then this article is for you. Let’s get started.

What is computer science?

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Computer science is the study of computers and other computational systems. These systems include theory, design, and development of software.

Computer science emerged as a discipline in the 1960s and over the years advanced further. From building a system to help humans communicate and store information to inventing machines that help better lives.

For most people, computer science is majorly about programming. While programming is important, there are different fields in computer science that I will talk about further in this article.

SEE: Is Computer Science Hard?

Different fields of computer science

Computer science is a term that covers so many fields or branches. The top branches include;

1. Artificial intelligence (AI)

The field of artificial intelligence refers to the study and design of a computing system that completes tasks autonomously. These tasks include solving problems, making predictions, automated replies, etc.

The artificial intelligence field makes use of a natural processing language that interprets written and spoken words. Some focus on tasks like visual perception or speech recognition.

The skills needed for this field include algorithms, predictive modeling, mathematics, and analysis. At the same time, the common roles in this field include artificial intelligence architect, researcher, and machine learning engineer.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary in this field is $125,000.

2. Computer human interface

This field focuses on how humans interact with computers and the interface that facilitates this operation. From laptops, phones, and websites, to virtual reality, they all possess a medium that allows humans to interact or understand them.

Also, this field focuses on what the user would like and how the user can use a computer system easily.

The skills needed for the computer-human interface field include communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to visual detail. Mapping how people use software and systems is also an added skill requirement.

The common roles in this field include; user experience (UX) design, research, and interaction design.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary in the computer-human interface field is $118,942.

SEE: Civil Engineering Skills Needed, Benefits, Job Outlook & Salary Range

3. Computer networking

This field focuses on analyzing, designing, and implementing networks that link computers together. This process is done by using both wired and wireless networks to exchange information, both internally and externally.

The wireless network includes light signals and radio waves, while also ensuring that there is a limitation. Furthermore, bandwidth, traffic, user access, and security or protection are all responsibilities in this field.

The skills required for computer networking include design architecture, diagnosing, and troubleshooting. While the roles in this field include network administrator, network analyst, and network architect.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary in the computer networking field is between $60,000 – $120,000.

4. Computer graphics

Computer graphics focuses on the display of an image on various software applications. It also goes further than just creating images but even into various other aspects of delivery.

These aspects include the screen size, system memory, and bandwidth in order for it to accommodate. This is usually implemented in games, multimedia publishing, and other computer-assisted design.

The skills needed for this field are; attention to visual and artistic detail, collaboration, and creativity. Furthermore, the roles in this field include mobile application developer, IOS developer, and android developer.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary in the computer graphic field is $116,192.

5. Programming language and logic

Programming is an integral part of computer science, this field focuses on understanding core computer languages. These languages include; JavaScript, python, CSS, C#, SQL, etc.

Practical application of this knowledge includes writing or modifying programs that the computer can understand.

The skill requirements for this field include collaboration, coding, and scripting in multiple languages. Also, the common roles in this field include full-stack web developer, front-end developer, and game developer.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary in this field is $105,240.

6. Computer security

Computer security or cryptography simply focuses on protecting information stored in a computer. It could involve creating software that is invulnerable to theft or access by unauthorized personnel.

Cryptography practices using algorithms to encrypt information. This is done by turning it from a natural state to a pattern that is usually harder to decipher.

The skills required for this field include communication, threat management, and vulnerability management. Furthermore, knowledge of security compliance rules and regulations is also required.

The roles in the computer security field include security engineer, network security analyst, and system security analyst.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary in the computer security field is $124,506.

SEE: Why Computer Security So Important?

7. Software engineering

Software engineering specializes in using engineering approaches and theories to build software systems. Some of these theories include debugging, testing, constructing, etc.

The skill requirement involves coding, scripting, communication, and collaboration. Additionally, the roles in the software engineering field include software development engineering and software analyst engineering.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary in the software engineering field is $119,923.

SEE: Why You Need Computer Skills

How do you choose the right computer science field?

Although choosing the right computer field is up to personal interest, you can also use the below-listed scenarios to help your case.

  • If you have an eye for picking out a detail or a likeness for design, you should try computer graphic design. That way, you can put your creative thinking into design and implementation.
  • Consider going into software engineering if you have a likeness or a prior understanding of back-end operations.
  • If you have expertise in creative thinking and diplomatic negotiation, you should go for a role in cryptography.
  • If you have a likeness for creating or writing programs, then you should go for programming and logic.

FAQs

Is programming hard?

Not particularly. With the right commitment and tutoring, you can learn it easily.

What is the highest paying computer science field?

Artificial intelligence, computer-human interface, and computer security are some of the highest-paying computer science fields.

What was the first programming language invented?

The first programming language that was invented was FORTRAN.

What do you learn in computer science?

The core message to learn in computer science is computational thinking, which is breaking down complex problems into smaller pieces.

Conclusion

Computer science is an umbrella with many fields to dive into. And with the world advancing further, acquiring one of these skills is ideal. For further guidance, you can see the top most lucrative fields mentioned in this article.

If you want to venture into the field of computer science but love business, read the article on profitable tech business ideas.

Thanks for reading.