How much does a computer science teacher make?
The median computer science teacher in the United States earns $96,980 per year. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all computer science teachers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 25-1021.
Computer science teacher salary range
Pay for computer science teachers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $49,460 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $170,200. The average (mean) wage of $104,420 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,460 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $66,600 | |
| Median (50th) | $96,980 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $131,320 | |
| 90th percentile | $170,200 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for computer science teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Computer science teacher salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Computer science teachers earn the most in California at $128,210 a year, and the least in Arkansas at $56,180. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| California | $128,210 | 2,480 |
| Massachusetts | $128,030 | 1,490 |
| Utah | $124,460 | 550 |
| Michigan | $107,690 | 810 |
| Oregon | $107,310 | 530 |
| Virginia | $106,780 | 1,670 |
| Nevada | $106,640 | 140 |
| Connecticut | $106,290 | 390 |
| Indiana | $102,660 | 1,240 |
| Delaware | $102,080 | 120 |
| District of Columbia | $101,380 | 210 |
| Rhode Island | $100,790 | 160 |
| Maine | $99,730 | 120 |
| Maryland | $98,850 | 830 |
| Illinois | $98,750 | 1,540 |
| Georgia | $98,030 | 1,160 |
| Wisconsin | $97,730 | 510 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,500 | 1,520 |
| Texas | $97,480 | 3,540 |
| New York | $96,450 | 3,170 |
| Vermont | $94,930 | 110 |
| Nebraska | $94,360 | 260 |
| Alabama | $92,640 | 500 |
| Ohio | $91,230 | 1,180 |
| Washington | $90,950 | 800 |
| Missouri | $90,770 | 510 |
| Iowa | $89,510 | 290 |
| Minnesota | $85,710 | 480 |
| Arizona | $84,050 | 700 |
| New Hampshire | $83,630 | 210 |
| Kentucky | $83,470 | 310 |
| Tennessee | $81,600 | 560 |
| Montana | $81,560 | 60 |
| New Jersey | $81,500 | 1,440 |
| North Dakota | $81,400 | 90 |
| Colorado | $80,530 | 920 |
| North Carolina | $80,080 | 1,650 |
| New Mexico | $79,440 | 200 |
| South Carolina | $78,240 | 380 |
| Louisiana | $77,530 | 200 |
| Florida | $76,950 | 950 |
| Oklahoma | $76,570 | 210 |
| South Dakota | $75,540 | 150 |
| Mississippi | $75,520 | 160 |
| West Virginia | $73,880 | 270 |
| Kansas | $67,400 | 260 |
| Wyoming | $63,900 | 40 |
| Arkansas | $56,180 | 160 |
State median wages for computer science teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for computer science teachers
The BLS projects employment of computer science teachers to grow 4.9% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 43,900 jobs in 2025 moving toward 46,100 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 3,200 openings a year for computer science teachers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a computer science teacher
The typical entry-level education for computer science teachers is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a computer science teacher earns
District budget, level taught, degree, and region drive pay, along with years of service on a step-and-lane salary schedule. High cost metros and senior educators land near the top.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (California, $128,210) and the lowest (Arkansas, $56,180) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 35,480 people work as computer science teachers in the United States. At $96,980 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Computer science teacher salary FAQ
How much does a computer science teacher make an hour?
Computer science teachers are generally salaried rather than paid by the hour, so the BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job. The median annual salary is $96,980.
What is the highest computer science teacher salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of computer science teachers earn more than $170,200 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a computer science teacher make a year?
The median annual salary for a computer science teacher is $96,980. The average (mean) wage of $104,420 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a computer science teacher a well paid job?
At $96,980 a year, a computer science teacher earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 35,480 people work as computer science teachers in the United States.
Which state pays computer science teachers the most?
California has the highest median salary for computer science teachers at $128,210 a year. Massachusetts ($128,030) and Utah ($124,460) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a computer science teacher a good career?
Employment of computer science teachers is projected to grow 4.9% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 3,200 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a computer science teacher?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for computer science teachers as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
Related salaries
See more in Education salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.