How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists make?
The median pay for Computer and Information Research Scientists in the United States is $140,300 per year — about $67.45 per hour. Entry-level positions start near $82,200, while the most experienced professionals in the top 10% earn $230,630.
That is $78,910 more than the median across all occupations in BLS data ($61,390).
Computer and Information Research Scientists salary range by percentile
Half of all Computer and Information Research Scientists earn between $103,570 and $188,700 a year.
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $82,200 | $39.52 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $103,570 | $49.79 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $140,300 | $67.45 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $188,700 | $90.72 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $230,630 | $110.88 |
Highest-paying states for Computer and Information Research Scientists
Where you work matters more than almost anything else. Oregon leads the country for Computer and Information Research Scientists pay at $206,220 a year, followed by Washington ($202,400) and New York ($181,990). At the other end, Michigan posts the lowest median at $82,590 — a gap of $123,630 for the same job, driven by local demand, industry mix, and cost of living.
| # | State | Median salary | Hourly | vs national |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $206,220 | $99.14 | +47% |
| 2 | Washington | $202,400 | $97.31 | +44% |
| 3 | New York | $181,990 | $87.50 | +30% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $170,510 | $81.98 | +22% |
| 5 | New Mexico | $165,690 | $79.66 | +18% |
Computer and Information Research Scientists salary in every state
Official BLS state-level figures across 35 states and territories. Click a state for the full local breakdown.
Workforce and education
About 37,000 people work as Computer and Information Research Scientists in the United States. The mean (average) wage is $153,930 — above the median, which means high earners pull the average up. On qualifications: a bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement, per O*NET occupation data.
Frequently asked questions
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