How Many Jobs Are Available in Computer Science?

Computer science careers are growing rapidly, offering high demand, diverse opportunities, and competitive salaries. There are over 300,000 openings per year.

The field of computer science is booming, reflecting our increasingly digital world. From software development to cybersecurity, computer science professionals are integral to nearly every industry.

The demand for these skills is high, driven by the growing reliance on technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. This demand translates into a vast number of job opportunities for those with the right skills and education.

How Many Jobs Are There in Computer Science?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are around 377,500 computer and information technology job openings each year. These roles include a wide array of positions, including research scientists, computer network architects, programmers, and support specialists.

Is There a Demand for Computer Science Jobs?

The BLS projects a much higher growth than average in employment for computer and information technology occupations from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driven by several factors, including the expansion of cloud computing, the expansion of big data, and the ever-present need for information security.

Computer Science Jobs Projecting the Most Growth

The most in-demand, high-growth computer science careers are listed and explained below.

Software Development

Software development is one of the largest areas within computer science, with millions of positions available globally. There are currently almost 1.8 million software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers in the U.S. This career is growing by 25%, meaning each year, 153,900 new jobs are available.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is another critical area with a high demand for professionals. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent, organizations across all sectors require skilled information security analysts to protect their data and systems.

Currently, there are 169,000 information security analysts. The BLS predicts that each year, 53,200 new jobs will be created, translating to a 32% growth.

Data Science

Data science is also a rapidly growing field within computer science. The explosion of data generated by various technologies has created a need for data scientists who can analyze and interpret complex datasets to help organizations make informed decisions.

Around 168,900 data scientist roles exist in the U.S., but this career will increase by 35%, meaning 17,700 roles will open each year until 2032.

Cloud Engineers

Cloud engineers design, implement, and manage cloud computing solutions. They work with cloud service providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud to create scalable and efficient cloud infrastructure.

This career is on track to increase by 23% over the next few years. This demand is reflective of the fact that 94% of companies store information in a cloud.

AI and Machine Learning Engineers

AI and machine learning engineers develop algorithms and systems that enable machines to learn from data and perform tasks autonomously. They work on projects involving natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and recommendation systems.

The compound annual growth rate of these engineers in the global market is 46%. In fact, by 2029, the global market size should reach $410.22 billion.

Is Computer Science an Oversaturated Career Field?

Despite the large number of graduates entering the field, computer science is not considered oversaturated. The rapid pace of technological advancement and the increasing reliance on digital solutions ensure a steady demand for skilled professionals.

However, competition can be stiff for the most sought-after positions, especially in leading tech companies.

Is Computer Science Still Worth It?

Yes, pursuing a career in computer science is still worth it. The field offers numerous advantages, including high salaries, strong job security, and many opportunities for innovation and career advancement. With industries using more and more digital products, computer science professionals are going to remain in high demand.

What Education Do I Need for a Computer Science Job?

To apply for any computer science job, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field. In that program, you'll learn about programming, algorithms, data structures, computer systems, and software engineering.

Many roles will also require you to earn specific certifications according to whichever part of computer science you're entering. In order for you to be a competitive candidate for advanced roles, you need to complete a master's degree.

Tips for Landing a Job in Computer Science

If you're ready to get a computer science job, follow these tips to better your chances of landing a great job.

Take college courses seriously to develop your skills, especially in programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.
Participate in internships or open-source projects to gain hands-on experience that you can put on your resume.
Connect with professionals in the computer science field on LinkedIn or other organizations.
Earn certifications such as AWS, CompTIA Security+, or Cisco.
Showcase your projects, coding skills, and accomplishments in a professional portfolio or GitHub repository.