Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Systems Analyst: $140K vs $106K Median Pay

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Systems Analyst: what changes?

Consider Computer and Information Research Scientists if you want to conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Consider Computer Systems Analyst if you would rather analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Entry credentials differ: Computer and Information Research Scientists, master's degree; Computer Systems Analyst, bachelor's degree.

Try this next: Compare three local entry-level postings for Computer and Information Research Scientists and Computer Systems Analyst. List the duties, credentials, prior experience, and paid training each employer actually asks for. Try a supervised class or sample project from each field before choosing a program.

BLS 2025 wages and 2025–2035 projections. National medians are not starting offers. Occupation size is not a count of vacancies. View the BLS data.

Compare the practical differences

Computer and Information Research Scientists

National median pay (2025): $140,300
Route into the job: Master's degree
Prior related experience: No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Training and licensing: BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.
Work to investigate: Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 2,900

Know before you choose

Review the full career brief for day-to-day working conditions.

See the full Computer and Information Research Scientists brief

Computer Systems Analyst

National median pay (2025): $105,850
Route into the job: Bachelor's degree
Prior related experience: No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Training and licensing: BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.
Work to investigate: Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 32,900

Know before you choose

Review the full career brief for day-to-day working conditions.

See the full Computer Systems Analyst brief

How the national numbers differ

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on annual openings

Computer Systems Analyst is at 32,900 annual openings, compared with 2,900 annual openings for Computer and Information Research Scientists.

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on projected growth

Computer and Information Research Scientists is at 21.8% projected growth, compared with 7.9% projected growth for Computer Systems Analyst.

Typical preparation differs.

Computer and Information Research Scientists: Master's degree Computer Systems Analyst: Bachelor's degree Preparation categories do not establish admission difficulty, calendar time, tuition, time without earnings, or licensing difficulty.

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on median pay

Computer and Information Research Scientists is at $140,300, compared with $105,850 for Computer Systems Analyst.

66.4/ 100

Computer and Information Research Scientists

76.9/ 100

Computer Systems Analyst

Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.

Detailed evidence

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Systems Analyst

Dimension	Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer Systems Analyst
Median pay (2025)	$140,300	$105,850
Pay percentile	94 percentile	86.4 percentile
Projected growth (2025–2035)	21.8%	7.9%
Annual openings (2025–2035)	2,900	32,900
2025 employment	38,600	544,400
How you qualify	Master's degree	Bachelor's degree
O*NET preparation group	Job Zone 5	Job Zone 4
Related work experience	No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.	No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
On-the-job training	BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.	BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.

The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.

Read Computer and Information Research Scientists brief Read Computer Systems Analyst brief

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Systems Analyst: what changes?

The facts most likely to affect your decision

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Computer Systems Analyst

How the national numbers differ

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on annual openings

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on projected growth

Typical preparation differs.

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on median pay

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Systems Analyst

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