Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in California
Based on 8K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$159,100
$76.49/hr
vs National Average
$133,027
+19.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$89K – $275K
8K employed in California
Computer and Information Research Scientists in California earn a median salary of $209,084 per year, positioning the state as a lucrative market for this specialized field. With 211 workers currently employed in this role across California, the median compensation runs 14% above the national average, reflecting the state's robust technology sector and high cost of living.
Several factors influence Computer and Information Research Scientist salary in California, including years of experience, educational credentials, specific research focus, and employer type. The competitive tech industry landscape, concentration of major companies in Silicon Valley, and demand for specialized expertise in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and machine learning also play significant roles in shaping compensation levels throughout the state.
Salary Distribution — Computer and Information Research Scientist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $88,920 |
| 25th percentile | $112,170 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $159,100 |
| 75th percentile | $213,630 |
| 90th percentile | $275,320 |
Top H-1B Employers for Computer and Information Research Scientist in California
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in California — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google LLC | 145 | $205,000 |
| 2 | Meta Platforms, Inc | 141 | $222,772 |
| 3 | Amazon.com Services LLC | 86 | $171,600 |
| 4 | Adobe Inc. | 80 | $174,899 |
| 5 | NVIDIA Corporation | 38 | $184,009 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Historical Salary Trend — Computer and Information Research Scientist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $177,770 |
| 2023 | $175,530 |
| 2024 | $156,290 |
| 2025 | $159,100 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $177,770 | $120,162 |
| 2023 | $175,530 | $127,853 |
| 2024 | $156,290 | $131,937 |
| 2025 | $159,100 | $133,027 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Experience Level in California
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists make in California?
- Computer and Information Research Scientists in California earn a median salary of $209,084 per year, or approximately $101 per hour. This is 13.7% higher than the national average for this role.
What is the salary range for a research scientist in California?
- The salary range for Computer and Information Research Scientists in California extends up to $226,953 per year at the high end. This represents the upper tier of compensation for professionals in this field within the state.
Is being a Computer and Information Research Scientist in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, California offers significantly higher compensation for this role, with a median salary of $209,084 compared to the national average. This represents a 13.7% premium over typical salaries elsewhere in the United States.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists work in California?
- There are approximately 211 Computer and Information Research Scientists currently employed in California, representing a relatively specialized workforce in the state.