How much do computer information systems majors make?

Have you been considering a career in computer information systems? If so, the first thing you probably want to know is what the average CIS salary is.

The CIS industry offers rewarding career opportunities, solid growth potential and the chance to earn a great salary. If you’re a whiz with computers and this career sounds like one that’ll fit your goals, keep reading to find out what it’s all about — and most importantly, how much you can make.

Let’s dive in.

What Does a Computer Information Systems Professional Do?

CIS is an all-encompassing term for a career working with computers and information exchange. You’ll be working with databases, local networks, servers, information security, and big data.

In most cases, you can expect to work standard business hours in an office setting. Although more remote-based opportunities are arising every year.

Most CIS professionals report directly to the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of their organization. A typical day will be spent proposing tech solutions, troubleshooting IT issues with co-workers, and consulting with external clients.

What Education Will You Need?

CIS professionals can land lucrative work with associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or master’s degrees. Of course, the more education you’ve completed, the better the salary you’ll take home.

Generally speaking, CIS professionals with an associate’s degree will earn around $60,000 per year with some experience. That’s a very solid salary for a two-year education.

If you complete your bachelor’s degree, your average yearly salary bumps up to around $74,000. By completing a master’s degree, expect to take home an average of about $86,000 each year.

However, don’t expect to start out at these salaries. They are national averages for all experience levels combined.

Industry Information

Depending on the degree you’ve attained and your interests within the CIS field, you can find work for a technology-based company doing information security work, become a systems analyst, systems administrator, or network engineer.

Other CIS graduates work as developers, database architects, analysts, or general administrators. As an entry-level professional, you might need to get your foot in the CIS door by working for a company outside of the technology field as a support professional.

Others have found rewarding work in non-profits, schools and other government agencies.

Keep in mind that your salary will vary based upon what area of the country you’re able to find work. As an example, the average software developer throughout the U.S. averages about $70,000 per year. However, if you land the same job in Seattle, you’ll be making closer to $90,000 — although living expenses might be substantially higher.

Experience Matters

As with any career, the more information skills and experience you have the more money you’ll earn.

When you first earn an associate’s degree and land your first job, you’ll likely be earning around $45,000. With a few years of experience you’ll get closer to $50,000. Your cap will be around $70,000.

With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll start out at around $50,000. After one to four years working, you should expect to be in the high 50,000’s. After a decade or more of experience, you’ll be looking at a cap of over $90,000.

For those with master’s degrees, you can bump the bachelor’s numbers up by about $10,000 in each experience category. Very seasoned professionals can make well over $100,000 per year.

A Great CIS Salary Isn’t Far Away

The great thing about a career in CIS is that you’ll have a lot of job security. This industry isn’t going away soon. In fact, it’ll only continue to grow as people rely more on technology.

Choose the education path that best fits your life goals, then dive into a rewarding career in CIS. It’s a decision you most likely will not regret.