As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Professor of Computer Science in the United States is $127,701 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Professor of Computer Science's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Professor of Computer Science Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $147,001 | $12,250 | $2,827 | $71 |
| Average | $127,701 | $10,642 | $2,456 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,901 | $9,325 | $2,152 | $54 |
A Professor of Computer Science's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.5% |
| Academic Advising | 2.08% |
| Computer Science | 2.08% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Professor of Computer Science's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Advising | $148,133 | |
| Radiology | $144,302 | |
| Biostatistics | $141,748 |
Professor of Computer Science salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $131,816. While startup companies pay approximate $112,660.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $112,660 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $118,866 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $127,575 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $131,816 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Professor of Computer Sciences enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Professor of Computer Science with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $121,146 and $143,782).
| Typical Education for Professor of Computer Science | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 2.9% |
| High School | 2.9% |
| Associates | 34.3% |
| Bachelors | 17.1% |
| Masters | 34.3% |
| Doctorate | 45.7% |
Understanding how a Professor of Computer Science's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $147,001 | $12,250 | $2,827 | $71 |
| Average | $127,701 | $10,642 | $2,456 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,901 | $9,325 | $2,152 | $54 |
Salaries for a Professor of Computer Science can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,867 in 2023 to around $53,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Professor of Computer Science salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest-paid professors in the U.S. typically earn salaries that can reach up to $179,701. The average salary for a Professor of Computer Science ranges from a minimum of $101,601 to a mid-range of $128,401, reflecting the competitive nature of academic positions in this field.
To be competitive for a PhD in Computer Science, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.500 is typically required for core courses. Additionally, consider the financial aspects of your studies, as salaries for professors in this field range from $101,601 to $179,701, with a mid-salary of $128,401, reflecting the potential rewards of advanced education.
Definitely! A computer science degree opens doors to various career paths, including software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. In the USA, salaries for computer science professors range from a minimum of $101,601 to a maximum of $179,701, with a mid-salary of $128,401, reflecting the high demand for expertise in this field.
The highest paying computer science job in the USA is typically a Computer and Information Research Scientist, with a salary range from $101,601 to $179,701, and a median salary of $128,401. Other high-paying roles include Software Developer, Data Scientist, and Computer Network Architect, all offering competitive salaries in the field.
The salary of a Professor of Computer Science ranges from $101,601 to $179,701 per year, with a median salary of $128,401. This data reflects the typical compensation for this role, highlighting the potential earnings based on experience and qualifications in the field.
After completing a PhD in the USA, many graduates pursue a postdoctoral position, which is a temporary role often available at universities or research institutions. This experience can enhance research skills and academic credentials. In academia, salaries for a Professor of Computer Science range from $101,601 to $179,701, with a mid-salary of $128,401.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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