How to Become a Computer and Information Research Scientist
Invent the next generation of computing: research new algorithms, architectures, and approaches that push the field forward. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $140,300 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$140,300/yr
Middle half
$103,570 to $188,700
Job growth
Much faster than average
Openings / yr
3,200
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Algorithm Design
- Research Methods
- Machine Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Technical Writing
Helpful certifications
- Graduate research experience (MS/PhD path)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
54/100
Work-life balance
52/100
Stress level
46/100
Related careers
- Database Architect$139,500 median
- Computer Network Architect$134,050 median
- Computer Systems Analyst$105,850 median
- Video Game Designer$104,000 median
- Computer Programmer$100,390 median
- Network Support Specialist$76,220 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientist make?
The median pay for a Computer and Information Research Scientist is $140,300 a year, and the middle half of workers earn between $103,570 and $188,700 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). That covers everyone in the job, not only people starting out, so newer workers sit toward the lower end.
What degree do you need to become a Computer and Information Research Scientist?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Computer Science, Mathematics, and Data Science.
Is Computer and Information Research Scientist a growing field?
Projected job growth for this role from 2024 to 2034 is much faster than average (BLS projections via O*NET), with roughly 3,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Computer and Information Research Scientist use most?
Common skills for this role are Algorithm Design, Research Methods, Machine Learning, Critical Thinking, and Technical Writing.
Planning to become a Computer and Information Research Scientist?
Save this career to your PlanexAI path and track the majors, courses, and milestones that lead to it.
Not sure this is right for you?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.
Take the major quizWhere these pay figures come from
Career pay is the annual wage of everyone working in that occupation, not only recent graduates, so it includes people who have done the job for decades. The middle half is the 25th to the 75th percentile. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).
All figures are national. What you earn depends on where you work, who you work for, and how far you take the degree.
Job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).