Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Mathematicians: $140K vs $127K Median Pay

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Mathematicians: 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 Mathematicians if you would rather conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Both list master's degree; compare training and prior experience separately.

Try this next: Compare three local entry-level postings for Computer and Information Research Scientists and Mathematicians. 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

Mathematicians

National median pay (2025): $126,710
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: Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 100

Know before you choose

BLS projects essentially flat employment (0.6%) through 2035. Annual openings mostly reflect replacement, not a rapidly expanding field.

See the full Mathematicians brief

How the national numbers differ

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on projected growth

Computer and Information Research Scientists is at 21.8% projected growth, compared with 0.6% projected growth for Mathematicians.

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on annual openings

Computer and Information Research Scientists is at 2,900 annual openings, compared with 100 annual openings for Mathematicians.

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on median pay

Computer and Information Research Scientists is at $140,300, compared with $126,710 for Mathematicians.

66.4/ 100

Computer and Information Research Scientists

36.5/ 100

Mathematicians

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 Mathematicians

Dimension	Computer and Information Research Scientists	Mathematicians
Median pay (2025)	$140,300	$126,710
Pay percentile	94 percentile	91.2 percentile
Projected growth (2025–2035)	21.8%	0.6%
Annual openings (2025–2035)	2,900	100
2025 employment	38,600	2,200
How you qualify	Master's degree	Master's degree
O*NET preparation group	Job Zone 5	Job Zone 5
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 Mathematicians brief

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Mathematicians: what changes?

The facts most likely to affect your decision

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Mathematicians

How the national numbers differ

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on projected growth

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on annual openings

Computer and Information Research Scientists has the edge on median pay

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Mathematicians

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Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Developer

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