A new study from the University of Maryland has revealed a compelling link between high school computer science education and future salary prospects, showing that just one computer science class can raise Gen Z graduates’ starting salaries by an average of 8%, regardless of which career path they choose (Fortune). The research delivers a wake-up call to educators, employers, and policymakers around the world—including in Thailand—about the growing importance of digital literacy as a foundational skill in today’s economy.
This breakthrough finding is dramatically relevant to Thai students, teachers, and policymakers, particularly as Thailand accelerates its “Thailand 4.0” policy—a national vision to shift the economy towards innovation-centric industries. While STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields have long been touted as the backbone of the future workforce, this new research provides the first robust evidence that even minimal exposure to computer science offers tangible financial rewards to students of all backgrounds, including those not destined for technology careers. Notably, the study highlights that low-income, Black, and female students see an even greater salary lift—up to 14%—further emphasizing the role of computer science education as a lever for social mobility and inclusion.
Published in May 2025, the study arrives amidst skyrocketing employer demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills worldwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for computer and information technology jobs was $105,990 in 2024, more than double the median for all workers ($49,500). But according to LinkedIn, AI literacy is now the fastest growing skill in the U.S. workforce, and its value is permeating all sectors—including finance, marketing, and human resources—not just traditional tech companies. Savvas Learning Company’s chief executive told Fortune, “Computer science is no longer a niche subject—it’s the connective tissue across nearly every industry shaping our modern economy. It should be looked at as a foundational skill in today’s modern, creative and tech-driven world, similar to reading and math.”
Yet, despite this evidence, the study highlights a concerning gap: only 6.4% of U.S. high school students are currently enrolling in computer science courses. Leaders at Code.org, a global nonprofit pushing for universal access to computer science education, caution that students deprived of such courses are “being shut out of the modern economy.” The organization’s president told 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.” Over 250 CEOs, including those from Microsoft, Airbnb, and Salesforce, have since petitioned for compulsory computer science and AI education for every student in the U.S.—a movement that educators in Thailand would do well to watch closely.
Thailand’s education system has been undergoing significant reforms to integrate digital skills. The Ministry of Education has steadily increased the presence of coding, robotics, and computational thinking in public school curricula, and in 2019, computer programming was announced as a core part of the national basic education syllabus from Grade 1. However, implementation often varies widely between urban schools in Bangkok and those in rural provinces, with disparities in teacher preparedness, equipment, and learning resources. The findings of this study underscore the critical importance of closing these divides and ensuring universal access to computer science instruction if Thailand hopes to reduce inequality and prepare its workforce for high-value jobs in a digital economy (Bangkok Post).
Indeed, the implications reach far beyond programming code. As Bethlam Forsa and other education leaders emphasize, exposure to computer science sharpens critical thinking, nurtures creativity, and helps students navigate the digital and ethical challenges increasingly present in society. With AI reshaping industries from healthcare and logistics to agriculture and tourism—key sectors for Thailand—such skills can drive not only personal financial gain but also national competitiveness.
The pathway to higher income is not limited to early exposure. The Fortune report notes that workers who missed out on computer science in school can still access free AI and digital skills training online, offering hope for adult learners and professionals seeking to future-proof their careers. Employers are responding: AI-savvy finance employees are earning up to 42% more, and similar pay boosts are evident across sales, marketing, and HR. Organizations such as Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) and global platforms like Coursera and edX now offer open access to AI, data analytics, and computer science training for all ages (Coursera).
This research also reignites debate about how education systems should adapt, not just for tech-focused careers, but for lifelong financial security in an AI-powered world. For Thai educators, the lesson is clear: integrating computer science into the mainstream—regardless of whether students pursue engineering, medicine, or business—boosts earning potential and equips them for tomorrow’s challenges. For policymakers, it provides hard evidence to accelerate investment in teacher development and digital infrastructure, especially in underserved rural areas. For parents, it’s a call to encourage digital literacy from an early age.
As Thailand continues to close the digital divide, the cultural dimension cannot be overlooked. Traditional Thai values place great emphasis on rote memorization and respect for hierarchy—traits which sometimes conflict with the creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving DNA of computer science education. Yet, as reformers point out, integrating computational thinking can actually amplify national strengths, fostering resilience and adaptability within Thailand’s unique context (UNESCO Bangkok). Historical efforts, such as King Rama V’s modernization of education, show Thailand can successfully adapt to global trends while preserving its cultural identity.
Looking to the future, Thailand’s labour market will only become more competitive as digital skills become the global lingua franca. Rapid growth in the tech industry, government e-services, and cross-border digital trade means that computer science education is not a luxury, but a necessity for the country’s youth to achieve financial independence. As the University of Maryland study conclusively demonstrates, even a single course can be a life-changing catalyst.
For Thai students, parents, and teachers: now is the time to act. Explore coding camps, digital literacy clubs, and online platforms offering free programming and AI classes. For adults, consider upskilling with micro-credentials, short courses, or workshop series provided by government agencies and universities. Policymakers should prioritize equitable access to digital education, ensuring no child is left behind due to geography or family income. The road to higher wages and brighter futures passes directly through the computer lab.
For further reading and free computer science courses, visit the following resources: