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
$63.96/hr
▲ 0.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$82K – $205K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
36K
workers nationwide
The median Computer and Information Research Scientist salary in the United States is $133,027 per year, or $64 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for professionals in this field, with a typical salary range falling between $82,291 and $205,338 annually. This role is crucial for advancing technology and scientific understanding.
Several factors can influence a Computer and Information Research Scientist salary. Experience level, specific industry, geographic location, and the size and type of employer all play a significant role. For example, demand in high-paying states like Oregon, where the average salary can reach $206,220, can drive compensation higher.
Salary Distribution — Computer and Information Research Scientist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,291 |
| 25th percentile | $105,304 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,027 |
| 75th percentile | $167,646 |
| 90th percentile | $205,338 |
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 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Industry
How much Computer and Information Research Scientists earn across industries nationwide — Information pays the most ($214,370 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information | $214,370 | +61.1% | 4K |
| 2 | Wholesale Trade | $178,640 | +34.3% | 810 |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $177,580 | +33.5% | 2K |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $166,880 | +25.4% | 160 |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $163,290 | +22.7% | 530 |
| 6 | Transportation and Warehousing | $152,730 | +14.8% | 30 |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,520 | +7.9% | 15K |
| 8 | Administrative and Support Services | $141,100 | +6.1% | 510 |
| 9 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,900 | -6.1% | 11K |
| 10 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $119,320 | -10.3% | 30 |
| 11 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $95,540 | -28.2% | 120 |
| 12 | Educational Services | $85,460 | -35.8% | 3K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Computer and Information Research Scientist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon | $171,600 | 354 |
| 2 | Meta | $218,832 | 234 |
| 3 | $206,000 | 198 | |
| 4 | Adobe | $176,127 | 89 |
| 5 | NVIDIA | $184,000 | 67 |
| 6 | Microsoft | $203,446 | 32 |
| 7 | Brookhaven National Laboratory | $123,438 | 32 |
| 8 | JPMorgan Chase | $181,100 | 22 |
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 (projected) | $134,126 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $105,304 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,027 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $167,646 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $205,338 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientist?
- The median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientist in the US is $133,027 annually. This means half of professionals in this role earn more, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for this profession?
- The salary range for Computer and Information Research Scientists generally falls between $82,291 and $205,338 per year. This broad range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
Which states offer the highest pay for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
- Oregon is a top-paying state for this role, with an average salary of $206,220. Other states with high demand and compensation are also significant contributors to the overall national average.
How many people work as Computer and Information Research Scientists in the US?
- There are approximately 35,760 individuals employed as Computer and Information Research Scientists across the United States. This indicates a substantial field with ongoing demand.