Computer and Information Research Scientists
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 it pays
Computer and Information Research Scientists earn a median of $67.45/hr — about $140,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $39.52/hr; the top 10% earn $110.88/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Computer and Information Research Scientists earn a median of $67.45/hr — about $140,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $39.52/hr; the top 10% earn $110.88/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually 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.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work is mostly indoors. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0.9% of computer and information research scientists are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are analytical, organized and detail-focused and hands-on.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Database Architects
- Software Developers
- Computer Network Architects
- Information Security Analysts
- Data Scientists
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Quick questions
- How much does a computer and information research scientist make?
- The median pay is $67.45 per hour — roughly $140,500 a year, with the real range running from about $39.52/hr (10th percentile) to $110.88/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a computer and information research scientist?
- The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
- What does a computer and information research scientist actually do all 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.