6 of the Highest Paying Jobs in Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Technology plays a vital role in nearly every career field. In many jobs, using advanced, reliable technology can save lives and contribute to large-scale decision making. Cybersecurity and computer science experts are crucial to creating, implementing, maintaining and troubleshooting leading-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud architecture.

These professionals need the latest knowledge and skills to keep innovative technology running smoothly, which is why advanced degrees are often necessary for the highest paying computer science careers. A master’s degree in cybersecurity can unlock some of these roles, where expertise in AI, cloud computing and data security can yield impressive salaries. The University of West Florida’s online master’s in cybersecurity includes these essential topics and more, helping prepare graduates for the following computer science jobs and salaries.

6 High-Paying Careers for Computer Science and Cybersecurity Experts

Explore salaries and job overviews for six rewarding careers in computer science and cybersecurity—all with average yearly salaries over $100,000 (based on the most recent data from Salary.com and the U.S. Department of Labor).

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer

• $123,066
• Average base salary (as of November 2024)¹

AI engineers lead teams who program and maintain AI algorithms, and they can work in any industry. Built In, a leading-edge resource and recruitment community for technology organizations, explains that AI engineers use data science and programming skills to create AI models from the ground up; feedback from managers, administrators and other teams helps these professionals continually improve AI performance.² The complexity of their work means that AI engineers need a wide range of skills, including soft skills such as problem solving, decision making, leadership and communication. Built In reports that some important technical abilities for AI engineers are:²

• AI algorithms: deep learning, machine learning and natural language processing
• AI frameworks: Theano, TensorFlow and PyTorch
• Programming languages: C++, Java, Python and R

2. Cybersecurity Architect

• $133,737
• Average annual pay (as of November 2024)³

Cybersecurity architects, or security architects, build the framework for their organization’s cybersecurity programs. These professionals run security protocols, construct firewalls, look for security risks and guide cybersecurity teams, according to Indeed.com.⁴ Their skills must go beyond technical to include leadership, communication and collaboration surrounding cybersecurity threat management. These advanced concepts can be acquired with an online master’s in cybersecurity degree and refined with a few years of on-the-job experience. Some essential technical skills for security architects, according to Indeed.com, are:⁴

• Cloud computing
• Computer programming
• Hardware inspection and upkeep
• Penetration testing
• Risk analysis
• Statistical analysis

3. Computer Network Architect

• $129,840
• 2023 median pay⁵

Computer network architects must be well-versed in creating and overseeing networks of any size, from smaller personal or household networks to larger networks for offices, businesses, government entities and companies around the world. They address network security by building firewalls, conducting audits of network security and developing automated security probes, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.⁵ An emerging skill for computer network architects is cloud technology, which means that computer networks are hosted by third-party cloud services rather than on hardware. Some organizations are now hiring cloud-specific network architects. According to Salary.com, cloud architects made an average annual salary of $128,717 as of November 2024.⁶ Across job descriptions for computer network architects, the U.S. Department of Labor suggests that many will include skills in:⁵

• Development software: Apache Kafka and Maven, Go and Microsoft PowerShell
• Network monitoring software: Nagios, Packet Analysis, Symantec Intruder Alert and Wireshark
• Web platform development software: Django, Google Angular, Microsoft ASP.NET and Spring Framework

4. Cyber Risk Manager

• $125,481
• Average annual pay (as of November 2024)⁷

Cyber risk managers stay ahead of cyber-attacks and threats that could damage their organization’s computer systems and compromise their data. The technology company IBM states that cyber risk management is essential for any organization because it can protect them from “cybercriminals, employee mistakes, natural disasters and other cybersecurity threats.”⁸ With their unique combination of cybersecurity, IT and business skills, cyber risk managers can tailor their security measures to their organization’s unique needs. IBM includes the following skills in their description of cyber risk management jobs:⁸

• External threat intelligence
• Incident response planning
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF)
• NIST Risk Management Framework (NIST RMF)
• Risk assessment
• Risk framing
• Security information and event management (SIEM) systems

5. Database Administrator/Architect

• $117,450
• 2023 median pay⁹

Database administrators and architects are responsible for handling large amounts of their organization’s data. They design complex databases that are well-structured, useful and secure. Oracle, a U.S.-based IT company, explains that database administrators “must have a strong understanding of both technical and business needs” as they carry out their responsibilities.¹⁰ As a specific type of database administrator, database architects ensure that databases are tailored to their organization’s goals and needs. According to Oracle, some of the most common skills that database administrators and architects need are:¹⁰

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Cloud-based platform design
• Data analytics
• Data and database security
• Microsoft Azure
• MongoDB
• MySQL
• User experience design

6. Information Security Analyst

• $120,360
• 2023 median pay¹¹

Information security analysts protect their organization’s computer systems and networks. The U.S. Department of Labor explains that these professionals “assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies.”¹¹ In addition to continuing their education and acquiring several years of on-the-job experience, the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that many information security analysts need leadership and management skills to fulfill their job responsibilities.¹¹ Other technologies and in-demand skills for information security analysts, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, include:¹¹

• Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Apache Kafka and Apache Maven
• Django
• Google Angular
• Microsoft ASP.NET
• Microsoft Power Shell

The Impact of Regional Specialties on Computer Science Jobs

The salaries listed above can vary based on several factors—education, experience, location, employer, bonuses, certifications and more. For cybersecurity and computer science jobs, average salaries are heavily impacted by regional specialties.

Depending on the city, state or region, certain technologies can be more prominent than in other areas. One example is Florida, which is a hub for a wide variety of IT occupations such as equipment manufacturing, telecommunications and computer systems design. According to SelectFlorida, Florida’s official international commerce organization, “38,000+ high tech companies call Florida home,” and the state boasts over 480,000 IT employees.¹² With these abundant numbers, it’s no surprise that the U.S. Department of Labor projects over 11,670 information security analysts alone to be employed in Florida by 2030.¹¹

Prepare for the Highest-Paying Careers in Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Whether you live in Florida or anywhere else, the University of West Florida is here to help upgrade your tech career. Gain the skills to stand out for cybersecurity jobs across the technology sector with a fully online master’s in cybersecurity. You’ll learn how to plan, implement, upgrade, manage and monitor the security of data, systems and networks. You can tailor the degree toward your career path by choosing a concentration in Data Security, National Security, Security Management or Software and System Security.

The M.S. in Cybersecurity program takes only two years to complete, and you can gain hands-on experience in virtualized computing systems of the UWF Cyber Range, a state-of-the-art platform for cybersecurity education, training and research.

Request more information about the online master’s in cybersecurity today.

Sources

1. Salary.com. “Artificial Intelligence Engineer Salary in the United States.” November 01, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/artificial-intelligence-engineer-salary.
2. Built In. “What Is an AI Engineer?” March 30, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-engineer.
3. Salary.com. “Cybersecurity Architect Salaries in the United States.” November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/position/cybersecurity-architect-salary.
4. Indeed. “How To Become a Security Architect: A Career Guide.” March 15, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-security-architect.
5. O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. “Computer Network Architects 15-1241.00.” October 8, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1241.00.
6. Salary.com. “Cloud Architect Salary in the United States.” November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing/cloud-architect-salary.
7. Salary.com. “Cyber Risk Manager Salaries in the United States.” November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/position/cyber-risk-manager-salary.
8. IBM. “What Is Cyber Risk Management?” Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.ibm.com/topics/cyber-risk-management.
9. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Database Administrators and Architects.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm.
10. Oracle. “What Is a Database Administrator (DBA)?” Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.oracle.com/database/what-is-a-dba/.
11. O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. “Information Security Analysts 15-1212.00.” October 8, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1212.00?redir=15-1122.00.
12. SelectFlorida. “Information Technology.” Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://selectflorida.org/why-florida/industries/information-technology/.