Software Developer
Design, build and improve the apps and systems people use every day.
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Education & Childcare career
Computer Science Professor
Also called: CS Professor · Computer Science Faculty · Computing Instructor · Software Engineering Professor
What computer science professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a computer science professor do?
Computer science teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in computer science, programming and related fields, and many conduct research. The median pay is $96,980 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +4.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$96,980Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+4.9%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year3,200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5–7 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs43,900Employment, 2025
What computer science professors do
Computer science professors teach the foundations of computing. They teach programming, data structures, algorithms, systems, AI and security, run labs, mentor student projects, conduct research in areas like machine learning or networking, win grants and publish papers.
Universities usually require a Ph.D.; community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and industry experience. Demand for computing courses is strong.
Typical duties
- Teach computing courses
- Design programming assignments
- Run labs and recitations
- Mentor student projects
- Conduct research
- Write grant proposals
- Serve on committees
Work environment and schedule
CS faculty work in classrooms, labs and offices at colleges and universities.
Schedule: Schedules mix teaching, research and service, with flexible hours.
A day in the life
- Teach a data structures lecture.
- Meet Ph.D. students about research.
- Review grading scripts with TAs.
- Write a grant proposal.
See a full day in the life of a computer science professor →
Computer Science Professor salary
Half of computer science professors earned more than $96,980 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $49,460 for the lowest 10% to $170,200 for the top 10%.
Full computer science professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a computer science professor
- Earn a bachelor’s in CS
- Do undergraduate research
- Complete a Ph.D.
- Consider a postdoc
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in computer science is typical for universities; community colleges often accept a master’s degree.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a computer science professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Programming
- Algorithms
- Computer systems
- Research methods
- Curriculum design
People skills
- Clear explanation
- Mentoring
- Curiosity
- Organization
All computer science professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong demand for courses
- Research in fast-moving fields
- Flexible schedule
- Industry collaboration
Cons
- Doctorate required for universities
- Grant pressure
- Large classes
- Industry pays more
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in computer science: Doctoral degree.
- Industry certifications: Valued for applied courses.
- Teaching certificate: Optional.
- Research grants: NSF and others.
Career path
- Ph.D. Student or Adjunct: Teach while training.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Chair: Lead departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Computer Science Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as design a programming assignment and prevent code plagiarism, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Computer Science Professor vs. Software Developer · Computer Science Professor vs. Data Scientist · Computer Science Professor vs. Math Professor · Computer Science Professor vs. Engineering Professor
Computer Science Professor FAQ
Do CS professors need a Ph.D.?
Usually for universities; community colleges often accept a master’s.
Do CS professors work with industry?
Many collaborate on research and internships.
Is there demand for CS faculty?
Yes, enrollment in computing is high.
How much does a computer science professor make?
The median annual wage for computer science professors was $96,980 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $170,200.
How long does it take to become a computer science professor?
Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in computer science is typical for universities; community colleges often accept a master’s degree.
Do you need a degree to be a computer science professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.
More computer science professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1021 (Computer science teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Computer science teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.