Computer Scientist Job Outlook

The computer science field is one of the fastest-growing fields in the job market today. The job outlook is promising and ultimately reflects the necessity for this field across all industries. Technology is continuing to evolve and grow at a rapid rate, and with more companies than ever relying on technology to handle company data, operations, and metrics, a computer science education is highly beneficial. If you want to enter the computer science field, you can explore a wide variety of specializations, like cybersecurity, data analysis, or software development. All in all, computer science jobs are not going anywhere anytime soon, which makes this an appealing and lucrative field to consider as a career path.

What is a Computer Scientist?

A Computer Scientist is an expert in the development, maintenance, and application of highly advanced computer systems. These professionals use computer theory to complete a range of tasks, including algorithmic design, software development, system maintenance, debugging, analytics, and other problem-solving duties. They typically have strong programming, mathematical, and computational skills so they can often work in database management, web development, cybersecurity, or software engineering. They use both theoretical and practical skills to complete their varied workplace tasks and often have strong critical thinking, communication, and time management skills.

Computer Scientists can also specialize in artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning. This involves designing systems that perform tasks autonomously; in other words, they operate without human interaction yet mimic human behavior. This allows companies to complete otherwise time-consuming tasks, thus optimizing their workflow and increasing productivity. Professionals who choose this branch of computer science will have additional skills in natural language processing, algorithms, and computer vision, among a few other AI-specific skills.

Moreover, a computer science professional will often conduct research and take part in developing new cutting-edge technology. Many will research trends in the field and explore ways to utilize and strengthen their innovative spirit. Additionally, a Computer Scientist will frequently ensure security measures are in place so that sensitive, confidential information does not get leaked to the public by hackers. The work of a Computer Scientist can vary drastically from position to position, but they are typically employed in virtually every industry, ranging from technology and finance to healthcare and government.

What is the Job Outlook for Computer Science?

Job Outlook

The job outlook for computer science is exceptional as the demand for skills and numerous influencing factors create a high need for Computer Scientists. The economic conditions and shifts in the technology sector create an advantageous opening for computer science professionals to jump in head first and be part of the new developments and tools within the field. With society’s increasing and unrelenting reliance on tech, the demand for computer science skills is extreme, making it easier to find an applicable job despite the competitive landscape. In addition, computer science jobs offer stability, which suggests that these positions are likely to stay relevant in the coming years. Overall, the job outlook for computer science is positive, with many reputable organizations suggesting that openings will continue to increase throughout the years and that most computer science jobs will provide adequate compensation. Computer science job prospects remain strong, so there are many advantages to pursuing this career path.

Future Growth

Computer science is expected to grow considerably in the future due to the technological advancements and shifts that permeate everyday life. The number of available computer science jobs is expected to grow by 23% within the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is much faster than the average and is likely due to the growing reliance on cybersecurity professionals and data science needs. In addition, research opportunities are abundant in this constantly growing and shifting field, with many Computer Scientists taking charge to create new programming languages, applications, software, and other technical products. Plus, with the emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning in many everyday tools, platforms, and products, computer science will continue to develop for years to come. As such, it is important to stay up to date on the latest computer science news and advancements by continuously updating your skills, following industry standards, and continuing your education.

Industries

As a result of tech spreading across virtually every industry, computer science professionals can find employment almost anywhere. The technology industry is among the most practical industries to search for a computer science carer, but many companies rely on software, artificial intelligence, data, or cybersecurity professionals to develop, deploy, and maintain their digital spaces and platforms. Aside from the tech sector, some of the top industries where Computer Scientists can find a job include finance, entertainment, healthcare, and telecommunications. Computer science experts are hired to work in teams or departments so they can design, create, and maintain different websites, applications, platforms, networks, and security measures. This diversity makes computer science a relatively appealing field for those who like to work freelance but also gives those searching for a traditional computer science job the option to explore the many prospects available. 

Salary

Most computer science jobs offer a lucrative salary and ample benefits. The BLS indicates that the national mean annual wage for a Computer Scientist is around $157,000. The median is not far off, landing at $145,000. Of course, depending on your experience, education, and the specific company, this number will vary. In addition, your salary can also be determined by your location as well as many larger cities are typically higher-paying. For instance, New York City is a much larger city than Ogen, Utah. Both have high employment levels for Computer Scientists, but NYC-based Computer Scientists earn roughly $51,000 more each year. However, you have to compare the salary to the cost of living in your region. While larger cities provide more opportunities, it’s often more expensive to live in a big city or state. While California is one of the top-paying states for Computer Scientists to find work, the cost of living is much higher than in West Virginia, which is also among the top five highest-paying states for Computer Scientists. It’s important to balance your options and determine what salary would be worth it for you depending on your area.

How Do I Find a Computer Scientist Job?

If you don’t know where to start in your search for a Computer Scientist job, you have plenty of options both in-person and across the internet. Depending on your location, you could visit a career center where you can learn more about the computer science field, attend job fairs, and talk with a career service assistant. This is a useful way to get your foot in the door for opportunities in your local area, but a career center may be less common or accessible if you live in a very small town. Likewise, this could also lead to finding only very limited job openings.

However, you have plenty of online options to assist in the job search. For instance, you can visit tech company websites and explore their careers page. Many companies across all industries have a section of their website where they share job openings and go into detail about what the applicant would need to land the position and what they could expect once they obtain the role. This is a highly specific way to find job openings, which will vary from company to company. However, this method provides you with a lot of insight into the company, the specific job roles, and the added benefits attached to the role.

To expand your horizons, consider visiting job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. This is a broader approach to the job search as you can search for in-person and hybrid positions in your area as well as remote opportunities. Using a job search website gives you more variety to choose from and a relatively unbiased account of the company and its operations. While these websites perhaps offer slightly less information on the posting or company, they are still eye-opening accounts of what you can expect at each company. You can also search for freelance jobs through freelance-specific websites, like Upwork and Freelancer. These websites provide freelance openings from all around the country, which is a viable option for virtually any computer science professional.

Learn the Skills to Become a Computer Scientist at Noble Desktop

You can learn a variety of computer science skills at reputable training centers such as Noble Desktop. For instance, they offer a Full-Stack Web Development Certificate that spans 420 hours and gives you all the skills necessary to become a Full Stack Developer. Specifically, you will learn from an expert instructor in a hands-on setting. Students will explore coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for both front and back end programming. Likewise, you will use various frameworks and libraries, such as Node.js and Express.js, and use Visual Studio Code, a code editor. You’ll create programming projects like scrolling animations, interactive content, webpage layouts, and mobile applications. In addition to the certificate course material, you will have the chance to take an additional SQL or WordPress class at no cost.

For a more specific learning experience, you can explore the JavaScript Programming Bootcamp. In this interactive and immersive bootcamp, students will learn the fundamentals of JavaScript programming and explore the higher-level functions. Over 120 hours, the instructor will assign portfolio projects that require you to use array and string methods or new ES6 and ES7 features such as Arrow Functions. Students will also practice object-oriented programming and explore JavaScript 3D Libraries for data visualization and 3D browser development. By the end of the bootcamp, you will feel prepared to use JavaScript in a professional setting or perhaps take the next step in your current career.

The Python for Data Science Masterclass is also a focused course that shows students the foundational and advanced ways to use Python for data science. Throughout 60 hours of instruction, students will learn data types, variables, Python libraries, numerous complex functions, data visualization, and object-oriented programming. In particular, the instructor will guide students through advanced techniques like using lambda functions, querying with Jupyter Notebooks, animating data visualizations, and performing data analytics. This masterclass intends to equip students with the most relevant Python skills so they can easily transfer their abilities from the classroom to the workplace.