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Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in U.S. (2024)

Computer and Information Research Scientists in U.S. make a median of $140,910 a year, or about $67.74 an hour. The range runs from $81K at the entry level to $232K for experienced workers.

Updated

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024

$141K
Median annual
$67.74/hr
Hourly rate
$81K
Entry level (10th %)
$232K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $141K get you in U.S.?

Estimated monthly take-home$8,922/mo
Median 2BR rent-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home15.8% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$140,910/yr
Monthly remaining after rent$7,510/mo
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About computer and information research scientists

U.S. employed: 38,480
Category: Technology
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.

Bar chart showing Computer and Information Research Scientists salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $80,670, 25th percentile $102,710, median $140,910, 75th percentile $181,210, 90th percentile $232,120. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$81K25th$103KMedian$141K75th$181K90th$232K
Bar chart showing Computer and Information Research Scientists salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $80,670, 25th percentile $102,710, median $140,910, 75th percentile $181,210, 90th percentile $232,120. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level computer and information research scientists (10th percentile) start around $81K. Mid-career wages sit at $141K.Top earners bring in $232K or more - a $151K spread from bottom to top.

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Computer and Information Research Scientists pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
Washington$222K+58%2,590
New York$197K+40%1,320
Oregon$180K+28%660
New Mexico$178K+26%N/A
West Virginia$171K+21%50
Massachusetts$167K+18%1,800
Wisconsin$167K+18%30
Idaho$161K+14%N/A
California$156K+11%8,570
District of Columbia$154K+9%330
Virginia$153K+9%3,150
New Jersey$146K+4%1,110
Maryland$142K+0%2,750
Hawaii$140K-1%90
Ohio$136K-4%270

Track computer and information research scientists salary changes

BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do computer and information research scientists make in U.S.?

The median is $140,910 a year - that works out to about $67.74 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $80,670, and experienced computer and information research scientists can clear $232,120. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $141K enough to live in U.S.?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,922/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 15.8% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.

How far does a computer and information research scientists salary go in U.S.?

U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median computer and information research scientists salary is worth about $140,910 in national-average purchasing power.

Where do computer and information research scientists get paid the most?

The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.

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