Computer and Information Research Scientists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

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 do computer and information research scientists do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working computer and information research scientists, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
2. 2.Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
3. 3.Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
4. 4.Design computers and the software that runs them.
5. 5.Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
6. 6.Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
7. 7.Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
8. 8.Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.

Top skills for computer and information research scientists

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

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

• Database Architects
  $135,980 median
• Software Developers
  $133,080 median
• Computer Network Architects
  $130,390 median
• Actuaries
  $125,770 median
• Information Security Analysts
  $124,910 median
• Mathematicians
  $121,680 median

Common questions parents ask about computer and information research scientists