Computer Sciences Graduates in High Demand in the Current Job Market
Andrea Koncz, ext. 121
Kevin Gray, ext. 139, 610.868.1421
Computer Sciences Graduates in High Demand in the Current Job Market
BETHLEHEM, PA—Computer sciences majors are highly valued in the current job market, according to new research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
“Of course, this is due in large part to the greater need for technology in the new ‘virtual world’ we live and work in as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Shawn VanDerziel NACE executive director.
NACE’s Winter 2021 Salary Survey found that the average salary projection for computer sciences graduates jumped 7.1% from last year to $72,173, the highest projected starting salary for this class. (See Figure 1.)
This projected salary increase is not isolated to one individual major. In fact, all three of the individual reported computer sciences majors—computer science (7.1%), information sciences and systems (7.1%), and software applications (6.8%)—reflect similar increases.
In addition, nearly half of the employers responding to the survey—48.9%—plan to hire Class of 2021 computer science graduates. (See Figure 2.)
All of these results underscore the high demand for computer sciences graduates in this job market.
Figure 1: Top average salaries by discipline, bachelor’s degrees
| Broad Category |
2021 Salary Projection |
2020 Salary Projection |
% Change |
| Computer sciences |
$72,173 |
$67,411 |
7.1% |
| Engineering |
$71,088 |
$69,961 |
1.6% |
| Math and sciences |
$63,316 |
$62,488 |
1.3% |
| Business |
$58,869 |
$57,939 |
1.6% |
Source: Winter 2021 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers
Figure 2: Top degrees in demand, bachelor’s degrees
| Major |
# of Respondents
That Will Hire |
% of Respondents
That Will Hire |
| Accounting |
75 |
54.0% |
| Finance |
73 |
52.5% |
| Business administration/management |
68 |
48.9% |
| Computer science |
68 |
48.9% |
| Mechanical engineering |
62 |
44.6% |
Source: Winter 2021 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers
About the Winter 2021 Salary Survey: The Winter 2021 Salary Survey report features annual salary projections for Class of 2021 college graduates. The figures reported are for base salaries only and do not include bonuses, commissions, fringe benefits, or overtime rates. The report provides the detailed salary projections by academic major and degree level, along with breakouts by both industry and geographic region. Data contained in the Winter 2021 Salary Survey report were obtained by surveying NACE employer members from September 14, 2020, through November 30, 2020. A total of 139 surveys were returned—a 14.9 percent response rate. An executive summary of the Winter 2021 Salary Survey is available for free through NACE.
About NACE: Since 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been the leading source of information about the employment of college graduates. For more information, visit www.naceweb.org. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media.