Computer science and college?

Question

well i am thinking about going into computer science. i understand that after your bachelors the average pay rate is around $70,000. but what happens after that? like what if you work for 10 years, will you get promoted to something higher? or will i have to get a masters? can anyone help me out?

Answer 1

If you do good a job and a higher position comes open some companies would train you or send you to school.However I feel that a bachelors is sufficient. It also depends on what you do in the computer science field.

Answer 2

That figure is pretty inaccurate or can be misleading. Both of my parents work in the field of computer science so I'll give you an idea of what they did and where they are now

First and foremost neither of my parents majored in computer science for their Undergrad studies. My dad was a nuclear physics major and my mom was a literature major. They both worked in their respective fields afterwards but together went to Texas A&M to get their Master's in computer science. They graduated around 15 years ago near the top of their class with a 3.8/3.9 GPA and were hired immediately with salaries only around $60,000 because they were entry level applicants. Around 8 years ago my mom was hired by AT&T as a high level programming analyst with around $65,000 (less than her leaving salary for her other company) but now earns $80,000. Her manager is working towards an MBA but due to his experience and skills, just got promoted as a director of technical analysis and earns well over 6 figures and is only 35. My dad was hired 3 years ago as a database administrator for a security company and now earns around $90,000.

To sum it all up, you should not expect more than $40,000 - $50,000 with only a Bachelor's degree. Computer science is a very technical field and you can't compete with those with higher education. I know that times have changed since my parents, but they have a pretty good understanding of the field and what to expect. Only after your master's, you should get $70,000 if you are a top applicant, less if you're average. Pay raise and bonuses happen gradually and should be around $2,000-$3,000 /year. If you want to manage, you should work to get an MBA, but that can be done later, earlier is useless. Promotions do happen but not automatically and certainlly with no obligation no matter how long you've worked somewhere. Your college education doesnt mean anything after years into your job, it's all on-job training and experience. If you improve and have a competitive edge for a higher paying position, your manage should encourage you to apply for that position and put in good words for you. If you remain the same or improve at the same rate as others, then nothing will happen.

Hope this helped.