Computer science salary: What you can expect

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Are you studying computer science at the University of Copenhagen, AAU, SDU, or another educational institution, and are you curious about the salary you can expect as a newly graduated computer scientist in either public institutions or the private labor market?

Table of contents

How do we calculate your salary as a computer scientist?
Computer science salary: The technical details behind IDA’s salary calculator
Master’s degree vs. bachelor’s degree
Unemployment: What can I expect as a computer scientist
Are you about to study computer science?

IDA's salary calculator

How do we calculate your salary as a computer scientist?

It is important to point out that all salary rates in this article are based on an average for employees in the private labor market. The figures should be considered as a guideline for what the average graduate student with a profession in computer science can expect in salary.

It is no secret that the private labor market often offers higher salaries, but you should also be aware of pension conditions. Is pension included in your salary or not? If you work in the public sector, you will typically have a collective agreement that offers you a very good pension.

If you have a bachelor's degree in computer science and either the merit-based or other relevant further education, you can expect an average starting salary of 47,500 DKK nationwide in 2025.

The technical details behind IDA's salary calculator

The expected salary in IDA's salary calculator is based on a specific industry and a specific geographical area, which the salary is adjusted according to. Additionally, we base it on IDA's salary statistics, which we collect annually on privately employed members and self-employed individuals. We project this figure by 2.0% year by year, corresponding to the development in IDA's recommended starting salary.

Below, we present the development in the average salary from 2024-2026 in a private workplace for a computer science profile in the IT and Telecommunications industry.

IDA’s salary calculator IDAs lønstatistik

Master's degree vs. bachelor's degree

Are you unsure whether to pursue a master's in computer science after your bachelor's? Here are several considerations you might find useful.

A bachelor's degree typically lasts three years and provides a solid foundation in the chosen field. Through lectures and exercises, you gain an overall understanding and learn basic methods and programs.

A master's degree typically lasts two years. To be admitted to a master's program, you must meet the general admission requirements and have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

In a master's program, you further specialize in your field, such as computer science. The teaching is typically more flexible in the master's program – so if you found programming, IT security, software development, or data analysis particularly interesting during your bachelor's, you usually have ample opportunity to delve into these areas in the master's program.

Many statistics show that your prospects for a better economy look healthier with a long higher education. The salary level is also reflected in our membership base. People with master's degrees also find it easier to get jobs in more specialized job functions – which is often required in positions such as web development, game development, software jobs, etc.

If you do not want a master's degree, you can, in comparison, gain a lot of work experience in the labor market over the two years with your bachelor's degree. The experience gives you a wide range of skills that future employers will value highly in their applicants. So if you can get a foot in the door of a company with a bachelor's degree, the experience you gain from there can definitely affect your salary and competitiveness in the job market.

However, statistics show that job opportunities are greater with a master's degree, and the starting salary is naturally higher than for bachelor's degree holders.

From bachelor to master’s – what you need to know

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Unemployment: What can I expect as a computer scientist

As a newly graduated computer scientist, there is virtually no unemployment. This is due to your versatile knowledge, which many workplaces need.

With the rapid technological development we are experiencing today, people with education and skills in programming, technology, algorithms, and mathematics are in high demand.

Are you about to study computer science?

Are you not currently studying computer science but rather exploring what you want to study? We understand if you are considering salary in your decision. You can use our salary calculator to compare the starting salary for other degrees you might be considering.

IDA’s salary calculator

Besides salary, there are many other important factors to consider. Think about how the teaching is structured and what methods are used. Students from different programs sometimes take the same courses because they need similar skills, such as programming. Be aware if you are interested in specific subjects that are also taught in other programs.

It is also worth considering the job opportunities for computer scientists – is it something you can see yourself doing? Is there any research you might be interested in participating in one day that is aimed at computer scientists? Many universities hold various events, such as open houses, where you can learn more about the program. We highly recommend attending these.

And it is important to emphasize: Salary should not determine your choice of study. Pay close attention to what interests you. Otherwise, it will be a long 3 or 5 years..

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Our counseling can help you

Our professional career counseling is always ready to assist you with questions regarding your upcoming time as a new graduate.

If you are fortunate enough to have found a job, it might be a good idea to have your contract reviewed. That is what we, as your union, help you with.

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