Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Computer and Information Research Scientists salary by state
What Computer and Information Research Scientistss do
Typical education: Bachelor's Degree
Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
Design computers and the software that runs them.
Top skills:Judgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisReading ComprehensionActive Listening
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Computer and Information Research Scientists pay by experience level
Entry level$85,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$107,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$145,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$195,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$238,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+19.7%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
3,200
projected openings per year
Growing faster than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Computer and Information Research Scientists salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
15,420 workers
$164,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
11,100 workers
$132,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
11,030 workers
$131,500
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
6,480 workers
$181,000
Scientific Research and Development Services
5,660 workers
$160,500
Educational Services
2,820 workers
$110,500
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
2,780 workers
$110,000
Educational Services, State Government Owned
2,220 workers
$103,000
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
1,560 workers
$210,000
Publishing Industries
1,330 workers
$219,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Computer and Information Research Scientists pays 29% above the average across 38 roles in the Computer and Mathematical job family (family average $123,500).
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make?
The average base salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in the United States is $159,500 per year, or about $76.68 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $107,000 and $195,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Computer and Mathematical roles?
The Computer and Mathematical job family averages $123,500 across 38 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
