What’s a Computer Scientist? And How to Become One

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn more about the career of a computer scientist, including salary potential, career paths, job outlook, and required skills and education.

[Featured image] A computer scientist is working on their computer.

Across almost every industry, computer scientists use programming and technical skills to design and develop computer software and hardware. Computer science jobs are typically associated with high salaries, job satisfaction, and desirable work-life balance. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 20 percent growth in computer science jobs from 2024 to 2034, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations [1].

If you're ready to start preparing for a career in this field, you can learn to think like a computer scientist and build core skills like software engineering and mathematical models with Rice University's Fundamentals of Computing Specialization. You'll earn a certificate for your studies in as little as two months. 

What is a computer scientist?

A computer scientist is a highly skilled individual who creates solutions related to computer programs by combining technology, technical skills, and analytical thinking. They ensure that a company’s computer systems continue to function by troubleshooting potential issues. Computer scientists often gather analytical insights to drive business decisions. Whatever the company’s needs, computer scientists will use their programming and network management skills to create solutions for them.

Read more: Is Computer Science Hard?

What do computer scientists do?

The responsibilities of computer scientists will vary depending on their position. Generally speaking, a computer scientist’s responsibilities include: 

  • Developing and designing software, hardware, and networks

  • Analyzing and understanding computer algorithms

  • Conducting research experiments to test new theories

  • Upgrading or updating computer systems or programs 

  • Collaborating with software developers and computer engineers to solve problems with technology 

Job opportunities for computer scientists

Thanks to a computer scientist’s wide skill set, they aren’t limited to positions solely with computer science in the job title. Common computer science careers include:

Not sure where to start? You can gain an introduction to computer science that may help you decide on a career path with Princeton University's online course, Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose.

Is it hard to become a computer scientist?

Computer science can be a challenging subject to learn, but with access to the right resources and support, you can develop skills that lead to a lucrative and rewarding career. The field has a high learning curve, and complex algorithms, programming languages, and coding can be time-consuming to master. Fortunately, learning fundamental concepts, seeking support from professors and peers, and effectively managing your time can lead to success in your computer science degree program.

Computer scientist salary: How much do computer scientists make? 

One of the main attractions of computer science positions is the high salaries. Let’s look at some common computer science positions in the US and their BLS-reported median salaries as of May 2024:

  • Computer and information research scientist: $140,910 [1]

  • Computer network architect: $130,390 [2]

  • Computer programmers: $98,670 [3] 

  • Computer systems analyst: $103,790 [4] 

  • Software developer: $131,450 [5] 

Keep in mind that salaries may be influenced by location, years of experience, and industry. 

Job outlook for computer scientists

Across the computer science field, the job outlook is very strong and outpaces the national job growth rate of 3.1 percent for all occupations from 2024 to 2034 [6]. Here are the projected growth numbers from 2024 to 2034 for various computer science careers:

  • Computer and information research scientist: 20 percent [1]

  • Computer network architect: 12 percent [2]

  • Computer systems analyst: 9 percent [4] 

  • Information security analyst: 29 percent [7]

  • Database administrators and architects: 4 percent [8]

Already taken an introductory course in computer science? Consider taking the next step in your career with an online Specialization focusing on intermediate concepts such as data structures and object-oriented programming languages:

Important skills for a computer scientist to have

Computer scientists are highly skilled individuals with a diverse range of abilities. With constant advancements being made in tech, it’s critical for you to constantly develop your computer science skills to keep up with the latest technologies and techniques. A blend of technical skills and workplace skills is necessary to find success in this field.

Technical skills

Computer scientists have technical skills that involve specialized knowledge to complete specific tasks. Some necessary technical skills include: 

  • Computer programming is a fundamental part of computer science. Aim to have a functional working knowledge of multiple languages to maximize the number of opportunities available to you based on your abilities. Popular languages include Python, C++, PHP, SQL, and more. 

  • Data analysis and interpretation are key parts of computer science. Insights gained from data analysis allow companies to make informed decisions. 

  • Technical writing is an important skill because you’ll need to write documents explaining and detailing your work and findings. Oftentimes, these documents are for those with less technical experience than computer scientists. Therefore, information is best presented in a manner that can be understood by audiences without the same expertise. 

Workplace skills

Workplace skills represent how you approach your work. As a computer scientist, here are some important workplace skills to have: 

  • Attention to detail allows computer scientists to spot programming errors that may arise when writing code. Being able to identify and correct these issues quickly can be a tremendous time saver and allow for projects to be completed more efficiently. 

  • Communication is a valuable skill as a computer scientist because you will often be part of a team. This means you’ll be discussing your work and thought processes with team members to ensure everyone is aware of the objective and working toward the same goal. 

  • Time management is crucial when balancing multiple projects at the same time. Computer scientists must be able to prioritize important tasks to complete everything in a timely manner.

Computer scientist education options

When it comes to developing the qualifications needed for a career in computer science, you have multiple options. While some may opt for a college degree, there are other ways you can acquire the necessary skills while still being able to land a highly sought-after position. Because these positions are highly technical, the skills and abilities you possess are most critical. 

Let’s take a look at some of the different computer science education options you have for obtaining the required skill set.

Degrees

Of the computer scientists who hold computer science degrees, here is a breakdown of the different percentages of education levels [9]:

Relevant majors to become a computer scientist include computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, and physics. 

Linked image with text "See how your Coursera Learning can turn into bachelor's degree credit at University of London"

Boot camps

Depending on the role you want, coding boot camps provide students the opportunity to develop their computer science skills in a more concentrated and accelerated setting. Compared to college programs, boot camps offer more project-based instruction rather than theoretical concepts. They also focus on helping you gain job-ready skills used throughout the industry in a shorter time span than a college degree.

Certifications

Having a computer science certification can be an effective way to demonstrate to employers that you have the specific skills they are looking for. Certifications tend to be more specialized in comparison to boot camps and college degrees, as they usually focus on a specific skill. With many different computer science certifications available, they are a great option to supplement your resume.

Industries that hire computer scientists

Computer scientists provide value in a variety of industries. Throughout the technology space, specialized industries hiring computer scientists to fill positions include:

Explore these free resources for computer scientists

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn to keep up with changes and trends within the computer science and other industries. Also, check out our free resources to prepare for a career in computer science:

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Article sources

1. 

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Information and Research Scientists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm.” Accessed September 11, 2025.

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