Database Architects
Median wage · national
$139,500
Range: $109K – $169K
Employed
67K
Openings/yr
4K
Typically: bachelor's degree
STEM
Computer & Information Research Scientist
Computer & Information Research Scientist is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country, projected to grow +19.7% through 2034. Median pay sits at $140,300 nationally, a strong return for the training investment.
About Computer & Information Research Scientist
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.
- Median Wage
- $140,300
- Employed Nationally
- 37K
- Openings / Year
- 3,200
- Entry Education
- Master's degree
- Job Zone
- Zone 5: Extensive Preparation
Also known as:
AI Engineer (Artificial Intelligence Engineer)
Applied Scientist
Artificial Intelligence Specialist (AI Specialist)
Computational Linguist
Computational Scientist
How Much Do Computer & Information Research Scientists Make?
Computer & Information Research Scientist earn $140,300 nationally, well above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $103,570 and $188,700. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$140,300
National Median (Annual)
Well above average for college graduates.
$104K–$189K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$103,570
Entry-level
$140,300
Median
$188,700
Experienced
What Do Computer & Information Research Scientists Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Computer & Information Research Scientist roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Judgment and Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Who Thrives Here
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
R
Realistic
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
Where Do Computer & Information Research Scientists Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Computer & Information Research Scientists?
The BLS projects +19.7% employment change for Computer & Information Research Scientist through 2034, well above the national average of +5%. About 3,200 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +19.7%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
Much faster than average.
3,200
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
37K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Computer & Information Research Scientist professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $140,300 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 8,570 | $156,290 | +11.4% |
| 2 | Virginia | 3,150 | $153,340 | +9.3% |
| 3 | Texas | 2,800 | $101,990 | -27.3% |
| 4 | Maryland | 2,750 | $141,540 | +0.9% |
| 5 | Washington | 2,590 | $221,990 | +58.2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Computer & Information Research Scientist positions require a master's degree to qualify. The 10 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
Master's degree
Job Zone
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation
Extensive education (usually a master's or doctoral degree) plus years of field experience is required to qualify for most positions.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information Systems | 103,827 | $92,374 | 1,579 |
| 2 | Computer Science | 72,693 | $107,009 | 1,053 |
| 3 | Information Science | 20,202 | $85,294 | 473 |
| 4 | Chemistry | 19,976 | $65,120 | 1,380 |
| 5 | Computer Software & Media | 14,684 | $58,894 | 726 |
| 6 | Computer Systems Networking | 13,734 | $73,587 | 618 |
| 7 | Data Science | 4,416 | — | 256 |
| 8 | Biomathematics | 3,505 | $86,713 | 216 |
| 9 | Medical Specialties | 2,689 | $73,739 | 182 |
| 10 | Human Computer Interaction | 2,324 | $50,526 | 59 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Computer & Information Research Scientists
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 4 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ | 94 | $6,128 | $110,066 |
| 5 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY | 93 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| 6 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Computer & Information Research Scientist, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Computer & Information Research Scientist pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Computer & Information Research Scientist Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and growing demand make Computer & Information Research Scientist a compelling path. The 3 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are drawn from BLS wage data and employment projections.
PROS
- Very high median salary The national median of $140,300 places this career well above average for college graduates, with significant upside at the 75th percentile.
- Exceptional job growth The BLS projects +19.7% employment growth through 2034, one of the fastest rates across all occupations. Demand for qualified candidates should remain elevated for a decade.
- High earning ceiling Top earners (75th percentile) reach $188,700 annually. Strong performers, specialists, and those in high-cost markets have significant upside beyond the median.
CONS
- High education requirement Most employers require a master's degree, typically 6 to 10+ years of higher education before earning full wages. Factor tuition costs into your ROI calculation.
Computer & Information Research Scientist Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Computer & Information Research Scientist professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Computer & Information Research Scientist is $140,300, well into the top quartile of US wages. The middle 50% of earners fall between $103,570 and $188,700. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Computer & Information Research Scientist a good career?
Yes, for the right person, but the commitment is significant. The $140,300 median wage reflects years of training most workers invest, and the path to a first career-level role typically spans 8 to 12 or more years. Job growth of +19.7% through 2034 means demand is real. The harder question is whether the education investment at your specific program will pay off. School selection matters enormously at this preparation level.
How long does it take to become a Computer & Information Research Scientist?
Plan on 8 to 12 or more years of combined education and supervised training before qualifying for career-level roles. A master's degree is the typical minimum credential. Degree programs like Information Systems are typical entry paths. Early-career pay during this ramp-up period will be meaningfully below the $140,300 national median. Factor that gap into any program ROI calculation.
Is a master's degree worth it to become a Computer & Information Research Scientist?
Yes, for most programs. At $140,300 median, graduates at in-state public programs typically recoup their investment within 10 to 15 years of practice. School choice (specifically tuition cost and your expected local job market) matters as much as the credential itself.
How fast is the Computer & Information Research Scientist field growing?
Very fast. The BLS projects +19.7% growth for Computer & Information Research Scientist through 2034, well above the roughly 5% national average and among the fastest rates across all occupations. Demand is being driven by structural forces, not cyclical ones. About 3,200 job openings per year are expected as the field expands and existing workers move on. From a current base of 37K workers, sustained growth creates real hiring volume, though fast-growing fields also attract more new graduates competing for entry-level roles.
Why do Computer & Information Research Scientist salaries vary so widely?
The $85,130 gap between the 25th ($103,570) and 75th ($188,700) percentile reflects how much employer type, industry, specialization, and geography affect pay. Entry-level roles and lower-demand markets cluster near the bottom; senior, specialized, or high-cost-metro positions push the top. In fields with this much spread, where you work and what you specialize in often matters more than years of experience.
What skills do Computer & Information Research Scientist professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Computer & Information Research Scientist roles: Judgment and Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, and Active Listening. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
Related Findings
-
Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
10 Six-Figure Careers That Do Not Need a Bachelor's Degree
Air traffic controllers earn more than the typical bachelor's-degree career, with an associate degree. The occupations that pay six figures without four years of college.
- No bachelor degree
- High paying careers
- Associate degree
- Trades
- Median wage
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
- Career growth
- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
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