Computer and Information Research Scientists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)
Computer and Mathematical · SOC 15-1221 · O*NET 15-1221.00
Computer and Information Research Scientists fall under the Computer and Mathematical category in the U.S. occupational classification. Computer and Information Research Scientists earn a median salary of $140,910 per year, ranking in the top 3% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +19.7% job growth through 2034, projected to grow far faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.
What do computer and information research scientists earn?
The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists is $140,910. That puts computer and information research scientists at #21 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.
Is computer and information research scientists a growing career?
The 10-year outlook for computer and information research scientists is +19.7%, projected to grow far faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 40K positions in 2024 to 48K in 2034, a net change of 8K. Very fast growth indicates significant talent shortages and unusually strong hiring momentum — often the most resilient outlook a teenager can plan toward.
What education does my child need to become computer and information research scientist?
The standard path into computer and information research scientists begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.
Related careers your child might also consider
How parents help teens explore careers like this
Solyo helps parents map a teen's interests to specific careers, then back to the colleges and majors that lead there. Salary, outlook, and education data come from BLS and O*NET — the same sources high school counselors use — but presented for the parent's planning lens, not the student's exploration view.
Common questions parents ask about computer and information research scientists
What is the median salary for computer and information research scientists?
The median annual salary for computer and information research scientists is $140,910 according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Is computer and information research scientists a growing career?
BLS projects +19.7% growth for computer and information research scientists from 2024 through 2034, which is very fast growth projected to grow far faster than the US average.
What education does my child need to become computer and information research scientist?
The typical entry path requires a bachelor's degree, plus any state licensure or certification specific to the role. Programs that align well with this career can be filtered inside Solyo's college search.
What careers are similar to computer and information research scientists?
Related occupations within the Computer and Mathematical category share education paths and skill profiles, so they're a useful starting set when a teen is uncertain. The "Related careers" section below lists nearby options.
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics program. Skills, tasks, and education distribution from the O*NET database. Job outlook from the BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 release.