Computer Occupations Salary: 2025 Median Pay Hits $109,470
The median salary for computer occupations hit $109,470 in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's the national midpoint: half of the 4.8 million workers earn more, half earn less. The average (mean) pay is even higher at $120,100, or about $53 per hour. This broad category covers software developers, IT managers, cybersecurity analysts, and more — roles that together span a huge pay range from $57,660 at the 10th percentile to $192,310 at the 90th percentile.
How much Computer Occupations earn
The typical computer worker earns a median $109,470 per year. But pay varies a lot by exact job and experience. Entry-level positions or support roles often start under $58,000, while top professionals — senior engineers, IT directors, machine learning architects — regularly pull in over $190,000. The BLS mean wage of $120,100 suggests the upper half pulls the average up significantly.
Per hour, the mean wage translates to about $53. Many computer occupations are salaried, so hourly rates often matter only for contract or part-time roles. Still, that $53 figure puts computer work well above the national average for all occupations.
Pay by state
Salary varies sharply by location. Some states pay computer professionals 20–40% above the national median; others fall 10–20% below. Unfortunately, the BLS does not yet publish state-level median or percentile data specifically for the broad "computer occupations" category in the 2025 release. However, regional patterns from previous years show California, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, and Virginia at the top, while lower-wage states include Mississippi, West Virginia, and New Mexico. Once the data becomes available, high-cost areas typically offer higher pay to offset living expenses.
How to become a Computer Occupation
Computer occupations cover hundreds of job titles, so paths vary. But a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is the most common starting point. For developers, degrees in software engineering or computer science open doors. For IT support or network administration, associate degrees or bootcamps plus certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Cisco CCNA) can suffice. Many employers also value portfolios and practical experience — personal projects, internships, or open-source contributions matter a lot.
For advanced roles like data scientist or cybersecurity engineer, a master's degree often helps reach higher salary brackets. Certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CISSP, or PMP can also boost pay. Entry-level roles typically start with 0–2 years of experience; senior roles require 5–10 years.
- Bachelor's in CS or related field (most common)
- Supplement with certifications for specific tracks (IT support, networking, security)
- Build a portfolio: personal projects, GitHub, internships
- Master's degree helpful for advanced roles; experience eventually matters more
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment in computer occupations to grow from 2024 to 2034. The exact growth rate is not available in the current OEWS release, but historically this category has grown faster than average — often 10–15% over a decade. Demand is driven by cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity threats, and ongoing digital transformation across industries.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Computer Occupations?
The national median salary is $109,470 per year, meaning half earn more and half earn less.
How much do Computer Occupations make per hour?
The mean hourly wage is about $53, though most computer roles are salaried.
What is the salary range for Computer Occupations?
The bottom 10% earn around $57,660, while the top 10% earn over $192,310.
How many people work in Computer Occupations?
Employment is 4,827,720, making it one of the largest occupational groups in the U.S.
What education do you need for a computer occupation?
A bachelor's degree in computer science or IT is most common, but associate degrees, bootcamps, and certifications can work for some roles.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Computer Occupations data.