CFChooseField
Technology and Mathematics

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Computer and Information Research Scientists
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Median pay

$140,910
Median annual pay for Computer and Information Research Scientists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

19.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

40,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Computer and Information Research Scientists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+7,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Master's degree
Typical education needed to enter Computer and Information Research Scientists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Computers and Electronics
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Engineering and Technology
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Design

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Fluency of Ideas
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Innovation
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Adaptability
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Dependability

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  5. 5Analyzing Data or Information
  6. 6Thinking Creatively

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Spend Time Sitting
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
  • Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
  • Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
  • Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
  • Design computers and the software that runs them.
  • Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
  • Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.

Software and tools

Microsoft Azure software · in demandC · in demandC++ · in demandStructured query language SQL · in demandDocker · in demandSnowflake · in demandScala · in demandGit · in demandGitHub · in demandGrafana Labs Grafana Cloud · in demandR · in demandIBM Terraform · in demand

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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