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What is a computer science instructor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
David McMahan Ph.D.,
Yenumula Reddy

Computer Science Instructors are teachers who lead computer science courses at the high school and college levels. At the high school level, they usually teach courses on basic or advanced computer skills. At the college level, you may teach introductory computing, computer science, and programming courses.

If your goal is to become a college professor, you'll probably need to earn a doctorate in information technology or computer science. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that schools usually hire teachers with a master's degree.

How much does a Computer Science Instructor make? As an ideal Computer Science Instructor, your salary might typically range between $92,067 and $163,005.

What general advice would you give to a computer science instructor?

David McMahan Ph.D.David McMahan Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies, Franklin and Marshall College

Keep open to possibilities beyond the narrow range of what your diploma lists as your major or minor. Whatever job you get trained for today, in 10-20 years, it may be very different. Or it may not exist. Focus on obtaining and maintaining flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and passion for learning. Being an interesting person is as vital as any credential.
ScoreComputer Science InstructorUS Average
Salary
6.2

Avg. Salary $79,337

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.9

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 13.13%

Black or African American 7.11%

Hispanic or Latino 10.14%

Unknown 4.93%

White 64.41%

Gender

female 31.91%

male 68.09%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.0

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Computer science instructor career paths

Key steps to become a computer science instructor

  1. Explore computer science instructor education requirements

    Most common computer science instructor degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.5 %

    Master's

    21.4 %

    Associate

    7.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific computer science instructor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Computer Science Courses8.78%
    Algorithms8.26%
    Data Structures6.60%
    Java6.45%
    Math6.12%
  3. Complete relevant computer science instructor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer science instructors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer science instructor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer science instructor resumes.
  4. Research computer science instructor duties and responsibilities

    • Provide students with the information necessary to achieve basic Linux administration and configuration skills.
    • Instruct students on processes and algorithms, procedural abstraction, data abstraction, encapsulation, and inheritance.
    • Research and develop information visualization / decision-support software!
    • Install and configure all software/hardware and perform troubleshoot.
  5. Prepare your computer science instructor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer science instructor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computer science instructor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable computer science instructor resume templates

    Build a professional computer science instructor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer science instructor resume.
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
    Computer Science Instructor Resume
  6. Apply for computer science instructor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a computer science instructor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first computer science instructor job

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Average computer science instructor salary

The average computer science instructor salary in the United States is $79,337 per year or $38 per hour. Computer science instructor salaries range between $48,000 and $129,000 per year.

Average computer science instructor salary
$79,337 Yearly
$38.14 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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