Computer Science Teachers
O*NET title: Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Also called: Adjunct Computer Science Professor, Adjunct Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, C++ Professor, College Faculty Member
Median pay
$96,980
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$49,460 – $170,200
People employed
35,480
Holland code
SIC
Social · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Computer Science Teachers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What computer science teachers do
- 01Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 02Compile, administer, and grade examinations or assign this work to others.
- 03Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as programming, data structures, and software design.
- 04Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- 05Direct research of other teachers or of graduate students working for advanced academic degrees.
- 06Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from computer science teachers
- Health Informatics Specialists77% · group pay
- Computer and Information Research Scientists75% · +45%
- Computer and Information Systems Managers72% · +81%
- Biostatisticians71% · group pay
- Mathematicians71% · +31%
Change into computer science teachers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Health Informatics Specialists77% · $105,850
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School76% · $65,030
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School76% · $66,270
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists73% · $68,270
- Biostatisticians71% · $105,650
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer and Information Sciences, Other
- Computer Programming/Programmer, General
- Information Science/Studies
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
- Computer Science
- Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Cloud Computing
- Computer Teacher Education
- Mathematics and Computer Science
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.