Computer occupations projected to be second highest-paid for bachelor’s grads

Computer jobs, including systems analysts, programmers, and software developers, are expected to offer a median starting salary of $82,194 for the Class of 2026, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)’s Winter 2026 Salary Survey released in January.

The projected salary marks a 9.1% increase compared to the previous year, indicating stronger demand for technology-related roles.

Physical scientists top the list of highest-paid bachelor’s-level occupations with projected salaries of $82,766, while engineering roles rank third at $80,167, up nearly $2,000 from 2025.

Two people work together in front of a computer. Illustration photo from Pexels

The NACE's survey collected data from around 150 organizations across the U.S. between Oct. 8 and Nov. 30, 2025.

Salary projections by occupation align closely with those by academic major.

At the bachelor’s level, computer science graduates are expected to earn an average of $81,535, making it the highest-paying field of study, followed by engineering at $81,198. At the master’s level, computer science graduates again lead with projected salaries of $94,212, a 10.9% increase from the previous year.

Engineering graduates rank second at $92,873, slightly lower than their 2025 projection of $94,086.

Graduates in computer-related majors remain among the most sought-after by employers, with computer science ranking third among the most in-demand U.S. bachelor’s degrees.

At the master’s level, computer science is the most in-demand field, with nearly one-quarter of respondents in NACE’s survey saying they plan to recruit graduates in the discipline.