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Phd Computer Science Salary in the United States

How much does a Phd Computer Science make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Phd Computer Science in the United States is $115,235 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

However, a Phd Computer Science's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $135,623
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $101,544 to $125,907
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $89,079
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Phd Computer Science Salaries

A Phd Computer Science's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Phd Computer Science Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Phd Computer Science's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $113,334
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $113,904
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $115,806
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $118,088
  • Expert (over 8 years): $120,800
Levels Salary
Entry Level Phd Computer Science$113,334
Intermediate Level Phd Computer Science$113,904
Senior Level Phd Computer Science$115,806
Specialist Level Phd Computer Science$118,088
Expert Level Phd Computer Science$120,800
View as Graph

How Do Phd Computer Science Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Phd Computer Sciences. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $127,588.
  • California: $127,104.
  • Massachusetts: $125,410.

Top Paying Cities for Phd Computer Sciences

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $145,346
  • San Francisco: $143,755
  • Oakland: $140,725

Phd Computer Science Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Phd Computer Science roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Phd Computer Science positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Phd Computer Science as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Phd Computer Science

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$138,282$66.020%
Insurance$129,063$62.012%
Internet$129,063$62.012%
Biotechnology$127,911$61.011%
Aerospace & Defense$126,759$61.010%

How Education impacts a Phd Computer Science's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Phd Computer Sciences enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Phd Computer Science with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,110 and $127,834).

Phd Computer Science Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Phd Computer Science
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.5%
High School 1.5%
Associates 4.5%
Bachelors 49.3%
Masters 40.3%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Phd Computer Science Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Phd 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$101,544
Average $115,235/year
$125,907
$8,462
Average $9,603/month
$10,492
$1,953
Average $2,216/week
$2,421
$49
Average $55/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $125,907 $10,492 $2,421 $61
Average $115,235 $9,603 $2,216 $55
25th Percentile $101,544 $8,462 $1,953 $49

Most common benefits for Phd Computer Science

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Phd Computer Science

Here are companies hiring for Phd Computer Science and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Phd Computer Science

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Phd Computer Science?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Phd Computer Science roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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