Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $96,980 Median
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median $96,980 per year, according to May 2024 BLS data. That works out to about $47 per hour, or a mean annual wage of $104,420. The top 10% of earners make over $170,200, while the bottom 10% earn less than $49,460. With 35,480 jobs nationwide and above-average growth, this is a solid academic career path.
How much Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median salary of $96,980 already puts these educators ahead of many other postsecondary teachers. But pay varies widely by experience and institution type.
At the low end, the 10th percentile earns $49,460 — typical for community college adjuncts or early-career instructors. Experienced professors at research universities often reach the 90th percentile of $170,200 or more.
Most computer science professors hold a master’s or doctorate. Those at four-year universities typically earn more than those at community colleges or trade schools.
Pay by state
Where you teach dramatically affects your paycheck. California leads with an average $128,210, followed by Massachusetts ($128,030), Utah ($124,460), Michigan ($107,690), and Oregon ($107,310).
On the lower side, Kansas averages $67,400, Wyoming $63,900, and Arkansas $56,180. Cost of living accounts for some differences but not all — Arkansas teachers earn barely half of what California counterparts do.
How to become Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Most positions require at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Community colleges may accept a master’s with industry experience; universities typically require a Ph.D.
A typical path: earn a bachelor’s in computer science, gain a few years of industry experience or a master’s, then apply for teaching jobs. For tenure-track roles, you’ll need a Ph.D. and publications.
Licensure is not required for postsecondary teaching, but some community colleges prefer teaching certifications. Strong programming skills, a publication record, and teaching experience are key differentiators.
- Get a bachelor’s in CS or a related field.
- Consider a master’s or Ph.D. — check job ads for your target school type.
- Gain teaching experience via TA roles, adjunct positions, or corporate training.
- Build a portfolio of projects or research publications.
- Apply directly to colleges and universities.
Job outlook
Employment of postsecondary computer science teachers is projected to grow 5.3% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 3,500 openings each year.
Most openings come from retirement or professors moving to industry jobs. Demand for CS education stays high as computer science programs expand at colleges nationwide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a computer science professor?
Entry-level positions, often at community colleges, typically fall around the 10th percentile of $49,460. New Ph.D.s at universities might start between $60,000 and $80,000.
Do you need a PhD to be a postsecondary computer science teacher?
Not always. Community colleges and some technical schools hire with a master’s degree plus industry experience. Four-year universities almost always require a Ph.D. for tenure-track roles.
Which state pays the most for computer science professors?
California pays the most, with an mean wage of $128,210, followed closely by Massachusetts at $128,030.
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 Science Teachers, Postsecondary data.