How much does a computer and information research scientist make?
The median computer and information research scientist in the United States earns $140,300 per year, about $67.45 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all computer and information research scientists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 15-1221.
Computer and information research scientist salary range
Pay for computer and information research scientists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $82,200 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $230,630. The average (mean) wage of $153,930 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,200 | $39.52 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $103,570 | $49.79 | |
| Median (50th) | $140,300 | $67.45 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $188,700 | $90.72 | |
| 90th percentile | $230,630 | $110.88 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for computer and information research scientists (SOC 15-1221), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Computer and information research scientist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Computer and information research scientists earn the most in Oregon at $206,220 a year, and the least in Michigan at $82,590. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $206,220 | 730 |
| Washington | $202,400 | 2,050 |
| New York | $181,990 | 1,950 |
| Massachusetts | $170,510 | 1,760 |
| New Mexico | $165,690 | 490 |
| California | $159,100 | 8,440 |
| Virginia | $157,390 | 3,590 |
| Maryland | $145,310 | 2,870 |
| District of Columbia | $144,190 | 330 |
| New Jersey | $140,840 | 1,580 |
| Illinois | $136,540 | 630 |
| New Hampshire | $136,160 | 90 |
| Minnesota | $135,850 | 30 |
| Ohio | $135,510 | 280 |
| Hawaii | $134,350 | 70 |
| Nevada | $134,310 | 80 |
| Colorado | $133,160 | 400 |
| Connecticut | $131,650 | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | $130,300 | 330 |
| Arizona | $129,760 | 360 |
| North Carolina | $128,370 | 600 |
| Missouri | $127,820 | 230 |
| South Carolina | $126,980 | 430 |
| Rhode Island | $121,470 | 500 |
| Texas | $121,210 | 1,960 |
| Florida | $119,810 | 1,070 |
| Alabama | $117,870 | 570 |
| Louisiana | $115,210 | 140 |
| Mississippi | $109,050 | 300 |
| Tennessee | $108,830 | N/A |
| Utah | $94,700 | 1,250 |
| Oklahoma | $93,100 | 590 |
| Georgia | $92,250 | 810 |
| Indiana | $85,460 | 720 |
| Michigan | $82,590 | 530 |
State median wages for computer and information research scientists (SOC 15-1221), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for computer and information research scientists
The BLS projects employment of computer and information research scientists to grow 21.8% from 2025 to 2035. That is much faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 38,600 jobs in 2025 moving toward 47,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 2,900 openings a year for computer and information research scientists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a computer and information research scientist
The typical entry-level education for computer and information research scientists is a master's degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a computer and information research scientist earns
Seniority, employer, location, and specialization matter most. Workers at large tech firms and in expensive metros like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York cluster near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Oregon, $206,220) and the lowest (Michigan, $82,590) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 37,200 people work as computer and information research scientists in the United States. At $140,300 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Computer and information research scientist salary FAQ
How much does a computer and information research scientist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a computer and information research scientist is $67.45. The middle half of computer and information research scientists earn between $49.79 and $90.72 per hour.
What is the highest computer and information research scientist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of computer and information research scientists earn more than $230,630 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a computer and information research scientist make a year?
The median annual salary for a computer and information research scientist is $140,300. The average (mean) wage of $153,930 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a computer and information research scientist a well paid job?
At $140,300 a year, a computer and information research scientist earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 37,200 people work as computer and information research scientists in the United States.
Which state pays computer and information research scientists the most?
Oregon has the highest median salary for computer and information research scientists at $206,220 a year. Washington ($202,400) and New York ($181,990) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a computer and information research scientist a good career?
Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 21.8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 2,900 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a computer and information research scientist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for computer and information research scientists as a master's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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