Salary Outlook

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics

"In May 2008 (The latest as of early 2010), median annual earnings of wage-and-salary computer applications software engineers were $80,000. The middle 50 percent earned between $88,000 and $99,00. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $70,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,000. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer applications software engineers in May 2008 were as follows:

Software publishers	$95,000
Computer systems design and related services	93,500
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services	87,000
Scientific Research & Development Services	93,500
Professional & Commercial Equip. / Supplies	99,000

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer engineering averaged $56,201 in 2007. Starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer science averaged $53,396. According to Robert Half Technology, starting salaries for software engineers in software development ranged from $66,500 to $99,750 in 2007. For network engineers, starting salaries ranged from $65,750 to $90,250."