Computer scientists, also called computer and information scientists, can work for government agencies and private software publishers, engineering firms or academic institutions. Businesses and government agencies usually employ these scientists to develop new products or solve computing problems. Computer scientists employed by academic institutions are typically involved in more theoretical explorations of computing issues, often using experimentation and modeling in their research.

Though salaries for engineers didn't increase as much as salaries for other specialties, engineering is still the top-earning degree, with an average 2013 starting salary of $63,000. That's up 4% from 2012. Computer science majors come in second. Business majors make the third-highest salaries at $54,000.