Despite the constant warnings of a ‘job apocalypse,’ computer science graduates are actually set to earn $81,000 right after college

As warnings grow louder, the prospects for Gen Z college graduates appear bleak. Among aspiring tech workers especially, the anxiety has been particularly intense. Coding tasks that were once assigned to junior developers can now be automated in minutes, fueling the speculation that traditional entry-level software roles could soon disappear.

However, new data indicates that the speculation about the complete demise of computer science graduates might be exaggerated.

Starting salary projections for the class of 2026 show that employers are still vying for technical talent and are willing to pay a premium for it. Computer science majors are expected to earn starting salaries of $81,535, nearly 7% higher than last year, according to the data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The survey received responses from 150 organizations, including employers such as [employer names], [employer names], [employer names], and Verizon.

Bachelor’s degree holders in computer science are also the third most [unspecified], slightly behind finance and mechanical engineering. At the graduate level, computer science master’s degrees rank as the single most in-demand credential, even outpacing [unspecified].

Karim Meghji, CEO and president of tech nonprofit [nonprofit name], said he’s not surprised because those with tech foundations are the best equipped to lead an AI-future.

“There’s a growing belief that AI makes computer science obsolete, but that’s not the case,” Meghji said. “AI isn’t killing computer science; it’s making it more essential.”

Hiring remains tight—even for Gen Z tech grads

Still, strong salary projections don’t guarantee an easy path.

While some employers (including [employer names]) have indicated plans to increase entry-level hiring in certain areas, overall hiring for the class of 2026 is expected to remain mostly flat compared to 2025, according to NACE.

This stagnation comes as millions of young adults are already struggling to establish themselves in the market, with many falling into the category of [not in education, employment, or training]. And for those who have obtained a degree, the financial pressure is real: bachelor’s degree recipients have an average federal [loan amount] of about $29,550.

With AI not expected to fade away soon, adapting to the technology is becoming less of an option and more fundamental, regardless of major. [It is said that] AI won’t necessarily replace workers completely, but workers who understand AI may replace those who don’t.

“We don’t need everyone to become a software engineer—far from it,” Meghji said. “But, we do need to help young people develop durable, cross-disciplinary skills: computational thinking, data literacy, systems thinking, and responsible computing.”

This message aligns with broader labor market trends. AI engineering, implementation, and business strategy now rank among the fastest-growing skills categories, according to [source]—suggesting a shift in demand for workers who can apply and adapt to emerging technologies.

Entry-level jobs are more competitive than ever—here’s how Gen Z can stand out

With the job market remaining tight, differentiation is becoming more crucial than ever for entry-level applicants. And since AI has made it easier than ever to customize resumes and cover letters, the standards are only getting higher.

According to Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake—a career platform for early-career talent—young people should rely on self-evaluation and personalization.

“AI can’t replicate taste; it can’t replicate who you are,” she [stated]. “If you and I are both using ChatGPT to help us write our cover letters for, say, even the same job, our responsibility is to provide it with enough information about ourselves.”

Having a strong network and support system is equally important, she added.

“You will question yourself and you might doubt if you’re good enough,” she said. “You need people who will give you an honest assessment of what your strengths are, what your skills are, and, quite frankly, also tell you if you’re making mistakes.”

With the true future of work still unknown, Meghji said it’s important to have a perspective.

“Don’t be afraid,” Meghji said. “The future of work is constantly evolving. Previous generations worried about automation, globalization, and the internet. What endures are the underlying knowledge, durable skills, and mindsets: how to think critically, collaborate, solve problems, and adapt. AI, in fact, makes those skills even more critical.”