Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA make a median of $124,790 a year, or about $60 an hour. The range runs from $75K at the entry level to $187K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $111,529 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 40.7% of take-home, which is tight.
So what does $125K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare scaled from national averages by San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad’s Regional Price Parity (111.89). Rent from HUD Fair Market Rents. Taxes estimated for single filer, standard deduction. * Healthcare is the employee-paid share only (premiums + out-of-pocket). Actual costs vary by coverage type: employer-sponsored, ACA marketplace, or uninsured.
About computer and information research scientists
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level computer and information research scientists (10th percentile) start around $75K. Mid-career wages sit at $125K. Top earners bring in $187K or more, a $111K spread from bottom to top.
Computer and Information Research Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Illinois | $135K | -4% | 350 |
| Minnesota | $132K | -6% | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $129K | -8% | 400 |
| Arizona | $129K | -9% | 420 |
| Connecticut | $128K | -9% | N/A |
| North Carolina | $124K | -12% | 790 |
| South Carolina | $121K | -14% | 440 |
| Rhode Island | $119K | -16% | 490 |
| New Hampshire | $118K | -16% | 130 |
| Florida | $117K | -17% | 1,090 |
| Nebraska | $117K | -17% | 30 |
| Louisiana | $112K | -21% | 100 |
| Missouri | $110K | -22% | 380 |
| Mississippi | $109K | -23% | 280 |
| Alabama | $108K | -23% | 540 |
| Michigan | $106K | -25% | 300 |
| Tennessee | $106K | -25% | N/A |
| Texas | $102K | -28% | 2,800 |
| Utah | $95K | -33% | 870 |
| Oklahoma | $93K | -34% | 590 |
| Georgia | $89K | -37% | 700 |
| Indiana | $84K | -41% | 700 |
| Kentucky | $83K | -41% | 90 |
Showing 1–10 of 38 states
BLS does not publish data for every state when sample sizes are too small
Track computer and information research scientists salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do computer and information research scientists make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $124,790 a year, that works out to about $60 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $75,350, and experienced computer and information research scientists can clear $186,780. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $125K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,359/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month, which eats 40.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a computer and information research scientists salary go in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median computer and information research scientists salary is worth about $111,529 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.