Computer and Information Research Scientists
SOC code 15-1221 · O*NET-SOC 15-1221.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Computer and IT
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Computer and Information Research Scientists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$140,300
a year
Hourly
$67.45
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$153,930
$74.00 per hour
Middle 50%
$103,570 – $188,700
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$82,200 – $230,630
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
37,200
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $82,200
- $39.52/hr
- 25th percentile
- $103,570
- $49.79/hr
- Median percentile
- $140,300
- $67.45/hr
- 75th percentile
- $188,700
- $90.72/hr
- 90th percentile
- $230,630
- $110.88/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+20%
Growing much faster than average
40,300
jobs in 2024
48,300
projected for 2034
About 8,000 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do computer and information research scientists do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 36% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree36%
- Doctoral Degree28%
- Master's Degree20%
- Some College Courses8%
Common questions
How much does a computer and information research scientists earn?
The national median is $140,300 a year. The full range runs from $82,200 at the 10th percentile to $230,630 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a computer and information research scientists without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is computer and information research scientists in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 20% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Speaking3.5/5
- Active Learning3.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics4.6/5
- Mathematics4.1/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
- Design3.3/5
- Telecommunications3.1/5
- Physics2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis, Programming, Systems Evaluation.