How to Hire a Computer Science Professor

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

The hiring market for computer science professors

There are about 43,900 computer science professors employed in the U.S., with roughly 3,200 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +4.9% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.

Pay benchmarks for offers

*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.

What to look for

Where to find computer science professors

• College education programs and student-teaching placements
• Alternative certification and residency programs
• Substitute and paraprofessional pools
• Community colleges with early childhood (CDA) programs
• Job postings that use common alternate titles: CS Professor, Computer Science Faculty, Computing Instructor, Software Engineering Professor

Screening checklist

• State license or certification verification where required
• Fingerprint background checks and child abuse registry clearances
• CPR and first aid certification for childcare roles
• A sample lesson or classroom observation

Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.

Interview questions to ask

Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.

1. “Describe your research.”

What a strong answer includes: Explain impact.

2. “How do you teach introductory programming?”

What a strong answer includes: Explain.

3. “How do you handle large classes?”

What a strong answer includes: Give strategies.

4. “How do you mentor students?”

What a strong answer includes: Share.

5. “What courses can you teach?”

What a strong answer includes: List.

Practical skills checks

A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:

• Design a Programming Assignment (see the steps)
• Prevent Code Plagiarism (see the steps)
• Mentor an Undergraduate Researcher (see the steps)

Red flags

• Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
• Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
• Unfamiliar with core terms such as Algorithm, Data structure, Big O
• Negative talk about every past employer or coworker

Onboard for retention

The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Computer Science Professor 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Computer Science Professor training. Show them the path forward: Ph.D. Student or Adjunct → Assistant Professor → Associate Professor → Professor or Chair.

Hiring computer science professors: FAQ

How much should I pay a computer science professor?

The U.S. median wage for computer science professors is $96,980 per year, according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($66,600), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($131,320). Adjust for your local market.

What qualifications should a computer science professor have?

BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for Ph.D. in computer science and Industry certifications where relevant, plus skills such as programming, algorithms, and computer systems.

How long does it take to train a new computer science professor?

Becoming qualified typically takes 5–7 years after a bachelor’s. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “none.”