Computer Science vs. Information Technology: Jobs, Degrees + More

Key takeaways

Computer science and information technology (IT) are two distinct subjects, despite their many similarities. 

• Computer science jobs generally involve designing and building computers and computer programs, while IT jobs mostly involve managing an organization's computers and ensuring the related networks, systems, and security are operational.

• Compared to IT degrees, computer science requires higher-level math classes in calculus and statistics, as well as programming expertise.

• You can start working in an IT role if you don’t have a four-year degree, but you might earn lower salaries, while specialized knowledge from a computer science degree may help you command higher-than-average salaries.

Discover more about computer science and information technology, including how they differ, careers in these fields, and the skills for a career in them. If you want to start working in the IT field, enroll in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn fundamental concepts like computer assembly, wireless networking, Linux, network security, and more in as little as three months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

IT vs. computer science: Is information technology the same as computer science?

The line between IT and computer science is often blurry. Sometimes, working in IT will require knowledge of computer science principles, and being a programmer will mean carrying out tasks that are considered more IT-related. Sometimes, jobs that are computer science-heavy, like web development or software engineering, are referred to as IT work. All of this can lead to very understandable confusion.

Here’s the basics of what you need to know:

• Though there are many overlaps between computer science and IT, computer science work generally means designing and building computers and computer programs. IT work deals more with running an organization's computers and ensuring the related networks, systems, and security are operational.

• Salaries range widely for both IT and computer science-based jobs, with some average base salaries easily climbing over $100,000. Some entry-level IT work that doesn’t require a four-year degree may offer lower salaries.

• If you don’t have a four-year degree, it may be easier to start work in IT than in a computer science-based role.

Learn more about IT from Kevin, an IT professional at Google, in this lecture from Google's Technical Support Fundamentals course:

Computer science vs. information technology careers

Careers in both IT and computer science can take you in many directions, but they do have distinct paths. Jobs grounded in computer science will broadly mean working with programming languages or data to develop or improve products. Jobs in IT will focus more heavily on ensuring the operation of computers, networks, and systems so that others in an organization can do their work smoothly.

That being said, there can be roles that straddle the line between computer science and IT, like cloud computing or database administration. Let's review some of the differences you'll see in each of these career paths.

Computer science vs. information technology degree

Many universities and colleges offer bachelor's degrees in computer science or related areas. Computer science degrees aim to teach you foundational computer science subjects, including computer systems, data structures, and computer engineering. You'll also likely take classes in calculus and statistics, and need to learn a programming language. For these reasons, computer science has developed a reputation for being a harder degree to earn, though the payoffs can be worth it. Computer science graduates often go on to earn higher-than-average salaries and remain in demand across industries.

In a degree or specialization in information technology, on the other hand, you'll focus on developing skills to maintain and improve the computers that those working in computer science fields build. This can entail working with systems, security structures, databases, and networks. That's why you may find bachelor's degrees in IT or cybersecurity, network engineering, software engineering, and more.

While you may not need a degree in either field to get started in an entry-level job, it may become more important as you advance. To get started in either career path, it's important to build your knowledge and skill set, which you can do with individual courses, certifications, and Professional Certificates.

Read more: Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

Information technology vs. computer science salary

Salaries for both IT and computer science vary widely. Jobs that require specialized knowledge to build, program, or maintain computers can require past experience or a degree, which can lead to higher salaries. As some generalist entry-level IT jobs often don’t require a four-year degree, they may have lower starting salaries. Here’s a sampling of salaries from various computer science and IT-related jobs.

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of March 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Difference between information technology and computer science skills

Here’s a comparison of the things you might want to know as an IT practitioner or as a computer science professional.

Can I switch from IT to a computer science job or vice versa?

Making a switch from a career in IT to something closer to computer science, or the opposite, is possible. You should make sure that you have the appropriate skills to make the switch. If you want to become a front-end engineer, for example, you might find programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript useful to know. You can get an idea of what skills you need for a new position by looking at several job descriptions. From there, you can take courses, enroll in a boot camp, or find other ways to gain the skills you need.

Uncover practical guides for meaningful growth

Discover fresh insights into your career or learn about trends in your industry by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Or, if you want to keep learning more about computer science and IT jobs, skills, and concepts, check out these free resources:

• Test your skills: Front-End Development Skill Assessment 

• Watch on YouTube: 5 Entry-level Jobs You Can Get with a Computer Science Degree 

• Learn key concepts: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary 

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