Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

25-1021.00 Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation Needed

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.

Also known as: Adjunct Computer Science Professor, Adjunct Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, C++ Professor, College Faculty Member, College Professor, Computer Applications Instructor, ...

Annual Salary

$96,690

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$65,200 25th – 75th percentile $132,200
10th percentile $48,910
90th percentile $172,380
U.S. Employment: 36,240

Job Outlook

+5.3%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Faster than average)

Annual Job Openings 3,500 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Doctoral or professional degree

What You'd Do

  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as programming, data structures, and software design.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations or assign this work to others.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.

Top Skills

Instructing 4.1
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

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Computers and Electronics 4.8
Education and Training 4.8
English Language 4.2
Customer and Personal Service 4.1
Mathematics 3.9
Engineering and Technology 3.8
Administration and Management 3.8
Administrative 3.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Master's
47.4%
Doctoral
41.7%
Bachelor's
11%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Adobe Photoshop C C# C++ Google Docs Hypertext markup language HTML Linux Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Visual Basic Microsoft Word Oracle Java PHP Python UNIX

Other Tools

Adobe Dreamweaver Adobe Premiere Pro Blackboard Learn Blackboard software Calendar and scheduling software Collaborative editing software Course management system software Database software Desire2Learn LMS software DOC Cop Email software Firewall software

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.6
Intellectual Curiosity
2.4
Dependability
2.3
Innovation
2.1
Attention to Detail
2.1
Achievement Orientation
2.1
Integrity
2.0
Cooperation

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Comprehension 4.1
Oral Expression 4.1
Written Comprehension 4.0
Written Expression 4.0
Speech Clarity 3.9
Deductive Reasoning 3.9
Inductive Reasoning 3.9
Information Ordering 3.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Training and Teaching Others 4.8
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.7
Working with Computers 4.7
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.4
Thinking Creatively 4.4
Getting Information 4.3
Analyzing Data or Information 4.3
Processing Information 4.2

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

E-Mail
5.0
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.7
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.6
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.6
Contact With Others
4.5
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.4
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.3
Spend Time Sitting
4.3
Telephone Conversations
4.1
Time Pressure
4.0
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
4.0
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
3.9

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.