Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 330+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$144,190
$69.32/hr
vs National Average
$133,027
+8.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$100K – $197K
330 employed in District of Columbia
Computer and Information Research Scientists in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $144,190 per year, which is 8% above the national average. With approximately 330 workers employed in this field throughout the region, the district maintains a competitive tech market. Salaries in this role typically range from $100,010 to $196,640 annually, reflecting the variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Computer and Information Research Scientist salary in District of Columbia, including educational background, years of experience, and specific research focus areas. The region's concentration of government agencies, research institutions, and technology companies creates demand for specialized expertise, which can impact compensation levels. Additionally, the cost of living and local market conditions shape salary offerings compared to other metropolitan areas across the country.
Salary Distribution — Computer and Information Research Scientist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,010 |
| 25th percentile | $121,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $144,190 |
| 75th percentile | $185,220 |
| 90th percentile | $196,640 |
Top-Paying Industries for Computer and Information Research Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer and Information Research Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer and Information Research Scientists in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $214,370 | 4K |
| Wholesale Trade | $178,640 | 810 |
| Manufacturing | $177,580 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $166,880 | 160 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $163,290 | 530 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer and Information Research Scientist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,650 |
| 2023 | $145,780 |
| 2024 | $153,630 |
| 2025 | $144,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,190 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,650 | $120,162 |
| 2023 | $145,780 | $127,853 |
| 2024 | $153,630 | $131,937 |
| 2025 | $144,190 | $133,027 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,190 | $133,027 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $121,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $144,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $185,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $196,640 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Computer and Information Research Scientist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Computer and Information Research Scientist ($144,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer and Information Research Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in DC | $195,190 | +35.4% | $93.84/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in DC | $163,360 | +13.3% | $78.54/hr |
| Software Engineer in DC | $156,590 | +8.6% | $75.28/hr |
| Database Administrator in DC | $150,010 | +4.0% | $72.12/hr |
| Statistician in DC | $140,670 | -2.4% | $67.63/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in DC | $137,670 | -4.5% | $66.19/hr |
| Software Developer in DC | $136,880 | -5.1% | $65.81/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in DC | $135,090 | -6.3% | $64.95/hr |
| Data Scientist in DC | $126,490 | -12.3% | $60.81/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in DC | $116,820 | -19.0% | $56.16/hr |
| Web Developer in DC | $114,690 | -20.5% | $55.14/hr |
| Network Administrator in DC | $110,970 | -23.0% | $53.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer and information research scientists make in Washington DC?
- Computer and information research scientists in Washington DC earn a median salary of $144,190 per year, or approximately $69 per hour. This is 8.4% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for research scientists in District of Columbia?
- The salary range for computer and information research scientists in DC spans from $100,010 at the lower end to $196,640 at the upper end, providing significant earning potential as you advance in the field.
How many computer research scientists work in DC?
- There are approximately 330 computer and information research scientists currently employed in the District of Columbia, indicating a moderate job market in the region.
Is the DC salary for research scientists above the national average?
- Yes, the median salary of $144,190 in Washington DC is 8.4% higher than the national average for computer and information research scientists, making it a competitive market for this profession.