- For Gen Z students, taking computer science could be just as beneficial to their careers—and early salaries—as mastering math and reading. Without access to tech education, young people are at risk of being “shut out of the modern economy,” one expert tells Fortune.
Want to up your chances of securing a higher salary straight out of college? The secret might be hidden in your high school schedule.
A new study found that among high school students who take a computer science class, their earnings will be 8% greater on average by the time they’ve secured their first job.
For low-income, Black, and female students, their salaries could see a 14% raise.
Moreover, these benefits are in reach no matter one’s career path, according to the researchers from the University of Maryland.
In 2024, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $105,990, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For all workers, the median over half that—at $49,500.
But even outside of tech jobs, having AI skills is becoming a major distinguisher. After all, AI literacy is the fastest growing skill in the U.S., according to LinkedIn.
“Computer science is no longer a niche subject—it’s the connective tissue across nearly every industry shaping our modern economy,” Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company, tells Fortune. “It should be looked at as a foundational skill in today’s modern, creative and tech-driven world, similar to reading and math.”
Gen Z is being failed by high schools
With just 6.4% high school students enrolling in computer science courses, this career boost is relatively limited for Gen Z.
“When students don’t have access to computer science, they’re being shut out of the modern economy,” Cameron Wilson, president of Code.org—a computer science education nonprofit tells Fortune.
“Computer Science education isn’t just about programming, it is about teaching students to think critically, solve complex problems, and understand the systems that shape every industry today.”
That’s why Wilson is leading a group of over 250 CEOs demanding that all high school students in the U.S. have access to computer science and AI education. Signatories include big names in the tech industry, such as Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Airbnb’s Brian Chesky, and Salesforce’s Marc Benioff.
Exposure to computer science is opening the door wider for Gen Zers to pursue high-paying jobs across all industries, says Wilson.
Missed the boat? There are other ways to boost your earnings
For those who missed out on learning to code in high school, it doesn’t necessarily mean your salary is stuck in a hole forever—there are plenty of ways that have historically been seen as ways to take home more money.
Nearly half of all workers predict AI will boost their salaries and job security, and by and large, they might be right, with employers increasingly willing to pay a hefty premium for those with AI skills. For example, companies are willing to pay some 42% more for AI-savvy finance workers, 43% more in sales and marketing, and 35% more in human resources. For those lacking the skills, there are luckily plenty of ways to learn AI for free online.
Alternatively, studies have found that attractive workers might be able to make nearly $20,000 more than their average-looking peers—and even just putting effort into your appearance can pay.
Those pulling in over $80,000 a year are the most likely to dress up for success, while employees earning six figures are twice as likely to spend over $300 a month on grooming and services to maintain their professional image.
Likewise, those with the gift of the gab can find themselves taking home more money than their peers. One study published in the Journal of Organization Behavior found those who choose to negotiate their salary, instead of simply accepting the first offer, increased their starting pay on average by $5,000.
