Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary
Computer and Information Research Scientists earn a median $140,300 a year nationally. Computer and Mathematical Occupations
What computer and information research scientists do
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +21.8% (much faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 2,900
Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 21.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Computer and Information Research Scientist take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$22,406
- Social Security (6.2%)$8,699
- Medicare (1.45%)$2,034
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$107,161
Marginal rate: 24% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $82,200 | $39.52 | $66,658 |
| 25th percentile | $103,570 | $49.79 | $81,691 |
| Median (50th) | $140,300 | $67.45 | $107,161 |
| 75th percentile | $188,700 | $90.72 | $140,503 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $230,630 | $110.88 | $170,466 |
Best cities for computer and information research scientists (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington, DC | $161,090 | $110,647 | $101,619 | 3,420 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- Washington, DC — $161,090
Computer and Information Research Scientist salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $206,220 | +14.6% | $135,393 | $117,570 – $239,200+ | 730 |
| Washington | $202,400 | −8.8% | $150,695 | $95,890 – $239,200+ | 2,050 |
| New York | $181,990 | −7.8% | $125,959 | $95,260 – $239,200+ | 1,950 |
| Massachusetts | $170,510 | +2.2% | $119,504 | $77,160 – $233,340 | 1,760 |
| New Mexico | $165,690 | −7.0% | $117,727 | $101,210 – $239,200+ | 490 |
| California | $159,100 | +1.8% | $107,376 | $88,920 – $239,200+ | 8,440 |
| Virginia | $157,390 | +2.6% | $110,606 | $96,300 – $230,630 | 3,590 |
| Maryland | $145,310 | +2.7% | $103,915 | $98,380 – $195,190 | 2,870 |
| District of Columbia | $144,190 | −6.1% | $100,532 | $100,010 – $196,640 | 330 |
| New Jersey | $140,840 | −3.7% | $100,749 | $85,780 – $209,850 | 1,580 |
| Illinois | $136,540 | +1.1% | $97,977 | $49,190 – $239,200+ | 630 |
| New Hampshire | $136,160 | +15.7% | $104,331 | $90,760 – $239,200+ | 90 |
| Minnesota | $135,850 | +3.1% | $96,288 | $83,920 – $174,740 | 30 |
| Ohio | $135,510 | −0.1% | $100,943 | $44,920 – $173,510 | 280 |
| Hawaii | $134,350 | −4.1% | $94,402 | $90,960 – $165,690 | 70 |
| Nevada | $134,310 | — | $103,067 | $85,940 – $190,400 | 80 |
| Colorado | $133,160 | +19.0% | $97,130 | $84,660 – $215,090 | 400 |
| Connecticut | $131,650 | +2.7% | $95,500 | $129,690 – $131,650 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $130,300 | +1.0% | $96,326 | $83,330 – $175,480 | 330 |
| Arizona | $129,760 | +1.0% | $96,922 | $62,870 – $239,200+ | 360 |
| North Carolina | $128,370 | +3.1% | $94,394 | $82,410 – $182,050 | 600 |
| Missouri | $127,820 | +16.3% | $93,561 | $73,630 – $200,010 | 230 |
| South Carolina | $126,980 | +5.0% | $91,595 | $84,200 – $161,180 | 430 |
| Rhode Island | $121,470 | +2.2% | $90,116 | $91,230 – $170,680 | 500 |
| Texas | $121,210 | +18.8% | $94,101 | $65,480 – $204,250 | 1,960 |
| Florida | $119,810 | +2.2% | $93,116 | $73,780 – $194,840 | 1,070 |
| Alabama | $117,870 | +9.0% | $86,123 | $63,290 – $174,030 | 570 |
| Louisiana | $115,210 | +3.0% | $86,810 | $80,250 – $161,120 | 140 |
| Mississippi | $109,050 | +0.5% | $81,917 | $69,220 – $161,890 | 300 |
| Tennessee | $108,830 | +3.0% | $85,392 | $82,750 – $174,760 | — |
| Utah | $94,700 | −0.1% | $72,156 | $72,990 – $169,890 | 1,250 |
| Oklahoma | $93,100 | +0.6% | $70,682 | $71,930 – $136,340 | 590 |
| Georgia | $92,250 | +3.3% | $69,563 | $73,780 – $153,630 | 810 |
| Indiana | $85,460 | +2.2% | $66,460 | $65,820 – $134,490 | 720 |
| Michigan | $82,590 | −22.1% | $63,673 | $66,700 – $159,500 | 530 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Database Architect | $139,500 | Bachelor's degree | +9.4% |
| Software Developer | $135,980 | Bachelor's degree | +10.2% |
| Computer Network Architect | $134,050 | Bachelor's degree | +7.7% |
| Information Security Analyst | $129,180 | Bachelor's degree | +21.0% |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,580 | Bachelor's degree | +5.1% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $105,850 | Bachelor's degree | +7.9% |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 | Bachelor's degree | -0.1% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester | $104,300 | Bachelor's degree | +5.7% |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $104,000 | Bachelor's degree | +6.0% |
| Computer Programmer | $100,390 | Bachelor's degree | -7.3% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a computer and information research scientist make?
The national median salary for computer and information research scientists is $140,300 a year ($67.45 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $82,200 and the top 10% earn over $230,630. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays computer and information research scientists the most?
Oregon has the highest median pay at $206,220. After taxes and local prices, Washington, DC offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many computer and information research scientists are there in the U.S.?
About 37,200 people work as computer and information research scientists nationwide.