15
Computer and Information Research Scientists is a notable career in the 15 category. This page provides verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024), helping you compare Computer and Information Research Scientists against similar careers and make data-driven decisions.
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| soc | 15-1221 |
| title | Computer and Information Research Scientists |
| onet code | 15-1221.00 |
| description | 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. |
| job zone | 5 |
| major group | 15 |
| tot emp | 38,480 |
| a mean | 152,310 |
| a median | 140,910 |
| a pct10 | 80,670 |
| a pct25 | 102,710 |
| a pct75 | 181,210 |
| a pct90 | 232,120 |
| h mean | 73 |
| h median | 67 |
The day-to-day work of a computer and information research scientists typically centers on analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software. Every task listed below is classified as Core in O*NET — they collectively define the role. Task descriptions below are quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET 29.0 occupation profile.
Workers in this occupation rely most on Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking. Across the top 10 skills, the average O*NET importance score is 3.75 out of 5 — highly rated for this role. Importance reflects how essential each skill is for adequate job performance.
Among working computer and information research scientists, the most common entry qualification is a Bachelor's Degree (36.2%). Bachelor's-degree-or-higher credentials are reported by 89% of incumbents. This is a degree-heavy profession — most incumbents hold a four-year degree or beyond.
Median annual pay is highest in Washington at $221,990 and lowest in Kentucky at $82,860 — a 2.7× spread. The top five states (Washington, New York, Oregon, New Mexico, West Virginia) average $189,652. Figures reflect BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level wage estimates; percentiles shown are for full-time wage-earners in each state.
| State | Median | Mean | 10th % | 90th % | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $221,990 | $204,290 | $102,480 | — | 2,590 |
| New York | $197,390 | $201,790 | $97,720 | — | 1,320 |
| Oregon | $180,010 | $211,010 | $130,920 | — | 660 |
| New Mexico | $178,120 | $178,400 | $140,910 | $227,100 | — |
| West Virginia | $170,750 | $187,000 | $75,710 | — | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $166,910 | $175,700 | $103,470 | — | 1,800 |
| Wisconsin | $166,690 | $171,150 | $74,350 | — | 30 |
| Idaho | $161,130 | $162,410 | $105,620 | $213,620 | — |
| California | $156,290 | $163,890 | $83,100 | — | 8,570 |
| District of Columbia | $153,630 | $149,800 | $98,510 | $191,880 | 330 |
| Virginia | $153,340 | $159,480 | $96,370 | — | 3,150 |
| New Jersey | $146,290 | $147,070 | $93,520 | $203,950 | 1,110 |
| Maryland | $141,540 | $143,220 | $93,270 | $191,880 | 2,750 |
| Hawaii | $140,150 | $140,140 | $95,430 | $151,020 | 90 |
| Ohio | $135,640 | $130,930 | $85,210 | $174,300 | 270 |
| Illinois | $135,120 | $129,370 | $47,810 | $210,040 | 350 |
| Minnesota | $131,770 | $135,220 | $89,620 | $172,590 | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $128,960 | $128,790 | $86,330 | $165,440 | 400 |
| Arizona | $128,520 | $158,100 | $77,470 | — | 420 |
| Connecticut | $128,180 | $129,200 | $103,670 | $173,850 | — |
| North Carolina | $124,490 | $132,560 | $82,630 | $159,910 | 790 |
| South Carolina | $120,970 | $118,120 | $82,620 | $144,280 | 440 |
| Rhode Island | $118,870 | $124,170 | $79,730 | $156,240 | 490 |
| New Hampshire | $117,730 | $138,460 | $74,480 | $230,190 | 130 |
| Florida | $117,250 | $122,610 | $77,830 | $175,120 | 1,090 |
| Nebraska | $116,600 | $117,740 | $81,340 | $161,680 | 30 |
| Colorado | $111,930 | $133,180 | $93,950 | $176,720 | — |
| Louisiana | $111,880 | $111,260 | $77,940 | $134,430 | 100 |
| Missouri | $109,910 | $125,930 | $74,150 | $182,210 | 380 |
| Mississippi | $108,560 | $111,360 | $70,320 | $158,850 | 280 |
| Alabama | $108,180 | $109,020 | $56,360 | $159,140 | 540 |
| Michigan | $105,960 | $114,760 | $64,580 | $172,660 | 300 |
| Tennessee | $105,680 | $103,690 | $74,980 | $139,870 | — |
| Texas | $101,990 | $115,880 | $63,950 | $179,910 | 2,800 |
| Utah | $94,830 | $103,600 | $76,360 | $134,430 | 870 |
| Oklahoma | $92,580 | $98,010 | $66,980 | $134,410 | 590 |
| Georgia | $89,270 | $98,640 | $72,550 | $134,430 | 700 |
| Indiana | $83,590 | $90,620 | $65,880 | $130,750 | 700 |
| Kentucky | $82,860 | $94,160 | $67,590 | $130,150 | 90 |
Recruiters and job boards use several alternate titles for computer and information research scientists. Knowing these variants widens your job search — listings for AI Engineer (Artificial Intelligence Engineer) or Artificial Intelligence Specialist (AI Specialist) frequently describe the same role. The list below is a sample of the most common industry variants.
This data helps you understand how Computer and Information Research Scientists compares to others in the 15 category. Use it to make informed decisions based on verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0.
careers with the closest data values to Computer and Information Research Scientists
The CertifyWize editorial team aggregates and verifies careers data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.
Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.
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