Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $96,980 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 4.9% through 2035, with about 3,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
- SOC 25-1021
- Educational Instruction and Library
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary in four numbers
- Median pay
- $96,980a yearBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $49KTop 10% $170K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +4.9%Faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+4.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +4.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,20043,900 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202543.9K
- Projected 203546.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 43.9K Projected 2035 46.1K - Typical education
- Doctorateneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Bachelor's11%
- Master's47.4%
- Doctorate41.7%
Highest education held by computer science teachers, postsecondary Segment Value Bachelor's 11% Master's 47.4% Doctorate 41.7%
Also advertised as: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Computer Information Systems Instructor (CIS Instructor), Computer Science Instructor, Computer Science Professor, Faculty Member.
Pay
How much do Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary make?
Every computer science teacher, postsecondary in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$96,980
Middle half earn $66,600 to $131,320
- 10th
- $49,460
- 25th
- $66,600
- 75th
- $131,320
- 90th
- $170,200
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $49,460 |
| 25th | $66,600 |
| Median | $96,980 |
| 75th | $131,320 |
| 90th | $170,200 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $96,980
- Median hourly wage
- N/A
- Mean annual wage
- $104,420
- People employed
- 35,480
Versus all US occupations
At $96,980, Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn 90% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $46,000 a year.
Versus educational instruction and library occupations
Inside the Educational Instruction and Library group, where the middle occupation pays $68,270, this is 42% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $170,200 or more while the bottom 10% earn $49,460, a gap of 3.4×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 70% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
California posts the highest raw median ($128,210), but once local prices are taken into account Utah leads at $125,890 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $128,210 | $115,797 | 2,480 |
| 2Massachusetts | $128,030 | $121,061 | 1,490 |
| 3Utah | $124,460 | $125,890 | 550 |
| 4Michigan | $107,690 | $111,924 | 810 |
| 5Oregon | $107,310 | $103,821 | 530 |
| 6Virginia | $106,780 | $105,614 | 1,670 |
| 7Nevada | $106,640 | $106,662 | 140 |
| 8Connecticut | $106,290 | $102,587 | 390 |
| 9Indiana | $102,660 | $109,998 | 1,240 |
| 10Delaware | $102,080 | $102,276 | 120 |
Job outlook
Is Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Faster than average. +4.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | +4.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary to change 4.9% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 2,200 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,200 openings are projected each year, 7.3% of the 43,900 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of postsecondary teachers varies by occupation (see table). Both part-time and full-time postsecondary teachers are included in these projections.
The number of people attending postsecondary institutions is expected to grow over the projections decade. Students will continue to seek higher education to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet their career goals. As more people enter colleges and universities, more postsecondary teachers will be needed to serve these additional students. Colleges and universities are likely to hire more part-time teachers to meet this demand. In all disciplines, there is expected to be a limited number of full-time nontenure and full-time tenure positions.
Getting in
How to become a Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary
Educational requirements vary with the subject taught and the type of educational institution. Typically, postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in their field. However, a master's degree may be enough for some postsecondary teachers at community colleges. Other postsecondary teachers may need work experience in their field of expertise.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Doctoral or professional degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as computer science teachers, postsecondary.
- Master's Degree47.4%
- Doctoral Degree41.7%
- Bachelor's Degree11%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | 47.4% |
| Doctoral Degree | 41.7% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 11% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary do?
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.
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
Day-to-day tasks
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations or assign this work to others.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most postsecondary teachers work full time, although part-time work is common. Postsecondary teachers who work part time may offer instruction at several colleges or universities. Some have a full-time job in their field of expertise in addition to a part-time teaching position. For example, an active lawyer or judge might teach an evening course at a law school.
College and university courses are generally during the day, although some are offered in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate students who have jobs or other obligations.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes are not usually serious.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Writing4.0
- Speaking4.0
- Active Listening3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Active Learning3.9
- Learning Strategies3.9
- Monitoring3.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Writing | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Active Learning | 3.9 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.9 |
| Monitoring | 3.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Instructing4.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9
- Complex Problem Solving3.8
- Social Perceptiveness3.6
- Systems Analysis3.4
- Systems Evaluation3.3
- Service Orientation3.1
- Time Management3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instructing | 4.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.9 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.6 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.4 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.3 |
| Service Orientation | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Web platform development software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Computer based training software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 3 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 3 |
| Social | 6 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around teaching, helping and working directly with other people, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Social5.9
- Investigative5.7
- Conventional4.0
- Artistic3.3
- Realistic3.1
- Enterprising2.3
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary
O*NET related occupations
- Management
- Educational Instruction and Library
- Educational Instruction and Library
Mathematical Science Teacher, Postsecondary
$79,940median a year
Most earn $49K to $139K
+1.7%Doctorate - Educational Instruction and Library
- Educational Instruction and Library
- Computer and Mathematical
More educational instruction and library careers
Median annual pay, with computer science teachers, postsecondary highlighted
- Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary$96,980
- Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary$80,250
- Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$74,260
- Librarian$68,270
- Career/Technical Education Teacher, Secondary School$66,270
- Kindergarten Teacher$62,680
- Library Technician$44,580
- Tutor$43,350
- Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education$38,140
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary | $96,980 |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $80,250 |
| Special Education Teacher, Secondary School | $74,260 |
| Librarian | $68,270 |
| Career/Technical Education Teacher, Secondary School | $66,270 |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $62,680 |
| Library Technician | $44,580 |
| Tutor | $43,350 |
| Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education | $38,140 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary appears on
Questions
Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary: frequently asked questions
How much do Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary make?
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $96,980 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 90% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. The middle half earn between $66,600 and $131,320. The top 10% earn $170,200 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary?
Yes, and beyond a bachelor's: BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry requirement for Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 47.4% hold master's degree.
Is Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4.9% over 2025–2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary do?
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. A core O*NET task: evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers. Employers most often ask for Data base user interface and query software, Development environment software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary the most?
The highest state medians for Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary are California ($128,210), Massachusetts ($128,030), Utah ($124,460) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Utah moves to the top at $125,890.
What personality type suits a Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary?
O*NET scores Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary highest on the Social, Investigative and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes teaching, helping and working directly with other people with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with INFJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.