Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Virginia
Based on 4K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$157,390
$75.67/hr
vs National Average
$133,027
+18.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$96K – $231K
4K employed in Virginia
Curious about the Computer and Information Research Scientist salary in Virginia? Virginia offers a competitive landscape for these professionals, with a median annual salary of $157,390. This figure sits comfortably above the national average, reflecting an 18% higher earning potential for those working in this specialized field within the state.
Several factors contribute to the Computer and Information Research Scientist salary in Virginia. Experience level is a significant driver, with early-career professionals earning around $96,300 while seasoned experts can command up to $230,630 annually. Location within Virginia, the specific industry of employment, and the size of the organization also play a role in determining individual compensation for the approximately 3,590 workers in this sector.
Salary Distribution — Computer and Information Research Scientist in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $96,300 |
| 25th percentile | $124,780 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $157,390 |
| 75th percentile | $207,480 |
| 90th percentile | $230,630 |
Top H-1B Employers for Computer and Information Research Scientist in Virginia
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Virginia — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon.com Services LLC | 6 | $156,600 |
| 2 | Amazon Web Services, Inc. | 4 | $169,600 |
| 3 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University | 3 | $68,500 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Computer and Information Research Scientist H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Virginia
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Virginia.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $117,197 | 6 |
| Level II | Qualified | $147,290 | 9 |
| Level III | Experienced | $166,856 | 6 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $137,240 |
| 2023 | $143,750 |
| 2024 | $153,340 |
| 2025 | $157,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $161,547 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $137,240 | $120,162 |
| 2023 | $143,750 | $127,853 |
| 2024 | $153,340 | $131,937 |
| 2025 | $157,390 | $133,027 |
| 2026 (projected) | $161,547 | $136,540 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $124,780 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $157,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $207,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $230,630 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Computer and Information Research Scientist Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Computer and Information Research Scientist ($157,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer and Information Research Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in VA | $201,490 | +28.0% | $96.87/hr |
| Database Administrator in VA | $160,360 | +1.9% | $77.10/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in VA | $141,340 | -10.2% | $67.95/hr |
| Software Engineer in VA | $139,030 | -11.7% | $66.84/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in VA | $139,030 | -11.7% | $66.84/hr |
| Software Developer in VA | $136,460 | -13.3% | $65.61/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in VA | $134,900 | -14.3% | $64.86/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in VA | $129,460 | -17.7% | $62.24/hr |
| Web Developer in VA | $128,380 | -18.4% | $61.72/hr |
| Data Scientist in VA | $126,430 | -19.7% | $60.78/hr |
| Computer Programmer in VA | $121,610 | -22.7% | $58.47/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in VA | $120,840 | -23.2% | $58.10/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientist make in Virginia?
- In Virginia, the median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientist is $157,390 per year, which breaks down to approximately $76 per hour. The salary range in the state typically falls between $96,300 and $230,630 annually.
What is the average salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientist in Virginia compared to the national average?
- Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia earn 18.3% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $157,390 in Virginia is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 3,590 Computer and Information Research Scientists employed in Virginia. This indicates a substantial presence of this profession within the state's workforce.
What is the salary range for a Computer and Information Research Scientist in Virginia?
- The salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientist in Virginia can vary widely, with the typical range spanning from $96,300 to $230,630 annually. This broad range reflects differences in experience, employer, and specific responsibilities.