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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Median Salary
145,080
Job Outlook
+26%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

59%

Federal Government

22%

Private not for profit

7%

State and local government

7%

Self-employed

6%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 26 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,400 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$82,360

10%

$145,080

Median

$208,000+

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    36%

  • Doctoral degree

    28%

  • Master's degree

    19%

  • Some college

    8%

  • Post-doctoral training

    4%

  • First professional degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Bioinformatics
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science, General
  • Information Technology
  • Computer and Information Sciences, Other
  • Informatics
  • Medical Informatics
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
  • Data Science, Other
  • Cloud Computing
  • Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics

Skills and Interest

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • English Language

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.