Computer and Information Research Scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Also called: AI Engineer (Artificial Intelligence Engineer), Applied Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Specialist (AI Specialist), Computational Linguist, Computational Scientist, Computational Theory Scientist
Median pay
$140,300
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$82,200 – $230,630
People employed
37,200
Holland code
ICR
Investigative · Conventional · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Computer and Information Research Scientists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (34 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Computer and Information Research Scientists salary in every state →
What computer and information research scientists do
- 01Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- 02Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- 03Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- 04Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- 05Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- 06Design computers and the software that runs them.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from computer and information research scientists
- Mathematicians86% · −10%
- Data Scientists84% · −14%
- Physicists80% · +23%
- Computer Hardware Engineers77% · +15%
- Astronomers76% · −8%
Change into computer and information research scientists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Mathematicians86% · $126,710
- Operations Research Analysts86% · $88,940
- Statisticians86% · $105,650
- Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists84% · $102,440
- Data Scientists81% · $120,230
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Technology
- Informatics
- Computer and Information Sciences, Other
- Information Science/Studies
- Computer Science
- Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
- Cloud Computing
- Bioinformatics
- Human Computer Interaction
- Data Science, General
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.