Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Computer and Information Research Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $156,360 a year, or about $75.17 an hour. Entry-level positions start around $101K. BLS does not publish top-end wages for this occupation because they exceed the reportable ceiling. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $143,608 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 24.3% of estimated take-home pay.
So what does $156K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare scaled from national averages by Washington-Arlington-Alexandria’s Regional Price Parity (108.88). 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, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level computer and information research scientists (10th percentile) start around $101K. Mid-career wages sit at $156K. Top earners bring in N/A or more.
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
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do computer and information research scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $156,360 a year, that works out to about $75 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $100,670, and experienced computer and information research scientists can clear N/A. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $156K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,931/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month, which eats 25.1% 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-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 $143,608 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.