Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary
Computer and Information Research Scientists in Washington make a median of $202,400 a year, or about $97.31 an hour. The range runs from $96K at the entry level to $281K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 102.01), that's roughly $198,412 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,830/month, or 14.4% of estimated take-home pay.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Washington. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $202K get you in Washington?
About computer and information research scientists
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What this looks like in Washington
Washington sits well above the national pay line for computer and information research scientists, local pay runs about 44% higher than the U.S. median of $140K. Housing is manageable: a 2-bedroom at the HUD median costs $1,830/month, 14.6% of take-home, well inside the 30% guideline. Cost of living (RPP 102.01) is near the national average, so spending patterns here track the typical American budget fairly closely. Combined with manageable housing costs, Washington offers a genuinely strong financial position for computer and information research scientistss at the median.
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level computer and information research scientists (10th percentile) start around $96K. Mid-career wages sit at $202K. Top earners bring in $281K or more, a $185K spread from bottom to top.
Computer and Information Research Scientists salary by metro in Washington
2 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $211K | +4% | 1,620 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $110K | -46% | 110 |
Compare to other states
Track computer and information research scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a computer and information research scientist afford a 2BR apartment alone in Washington?
Yes — at the median salary of $202K, rent takes 14.6% of take-home pay. A 2-bedroom at the HUD Fair Market Rent runs $1,830/month. That stays under the 30% guideline most financial planners use.
What’s the entry-level salary for computer and information research scientists in Washington?
The 10th-percentile wage — what new computer and information research scientists typically earn — is $96K/year. Take-home on that works out to about $5,753/month. At HUD’s $1,830/month FMR, rent would take 32% of that take-home — above the 30% guideline, so a 1-bedroom or shared housing is likely necessary starting out.
Is computer and information research scientist a high-paying job in Washington?
Local pay is 44% above the national median — $202K here vs. $140K nationally.
How does Washington compare to the national average for computer and information research scientists?
Washington pays $202K median vs. the U.S. average of $140K — that’s +44%. After adjusting for local cost of living (RPP 102.01), the purchasing-power equivalent is $198K — still ahead of the national median.
How much do computer and information research scientists make in Washington?
The median is $202,400 a year, that works out to about $97 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $95,890, and experienced computer and information research scientists can clear $281,050. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $202K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $12,559/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,830/month, which eats 14.6% 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 Washington?
Washington has a Regional Price Parity of 102.01 (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 $198,412 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.