Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in the United States
Based on 36K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$133,027
$63.955/hr
▲ 0.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$118K – $352K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
36K
workers nationwide
Computer and Information Research Scientists in the United States earn a median salary of $183,846 per year, reflecting the specialized expertise and advanced qualifications required in this field. With approximately 369 workers employed in this role, the position represents a highly specialized career path for those with advanced degrees and research backgrounds.
Salary variations for Computer and Information Research Scientists depend on several key factors, including level of education, years of experience, specific research focus, and employer type. Geographic location within the United States, industry sector, and whether positions are in academia, government, or private industry also significantly influence compensation levels. Additional credentials and published research contributions can further impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Computer and Information Research Scientist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $117,570 |
| 25th percentile | $169,240 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,027 |
| 75th percentile | $278,150 |
| 90th percentile | $351,690 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Computer and Information Research Scientist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $206,220 | +55.0% | 730 |
| 2 | Washington | $202,400 | +52.1% | 2K |
| 3 | New York | $181,990 | +36.8% | 2K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $170,510 | +28.2% | 2K |
| 5 | New Mexico | $165,690 | +24.6% | 490 |
| 6 | California | $159,100 | +19.6% | 8K |
| 7 | Virginia | $157,390 | +18.3% | 4K |
| 8 | Maryland | $145,310 | +9.2% | 3K |
| 9 | District of Columbia | $144,190 | +8.4% | 330 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $140,840 | +5.9% | 2K |
Historical Salary Trend — Computer and Information Research Scientist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $120,162 |
| 2023 | $127,853 |
| 2024 | $131,937 |
| 2025 | $133,027 |
| 2026 | $183,846 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer and information research scientists make per hour?
- Computer and information research scientists earn a median of $88 per hour in the United States. This hourly rate reflects the median annual salary of $183,846 for this profession.
What is the highest paying city for computer and information research scientists?
- California is the top paying location for computer and information research scientists, with an average salary of $209,084 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median salary of $183,846.
What is the salary range for computer and information research scientists in the US?
- The salary for computer and information research scientists in the United States ranges up to $226,953 annually at the high end. The median salary in this field is $183,846 per year.
Is there high demand for computer and information research scientists?
- There are currently 369 computer and information research scientists employed in the United States, representing a specialized field within the tech industry. These positions command a competitive median salary of $183,846 annually.