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.

$140,910
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+20% projected 2024โ€“2034
Master's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Computer and information research scientists tackle complex problems at the cutting edge of technology, developing new computing theories, systems, and applications that push the boundaries of what computers can do. On any given day, they might design algorithms to process massive datasets more efficiently, create new programming languages, develop cybersecurity protocols, or explore applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Their work involves extensive experimentation, running simulations, analyzing results, and documenting their findings in technical papers that contribute to the broader scientific community.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Computer Science(masters)Stanford University, CA
$199,761
Information Science/Studies(professional)University of California-Berkeley, CA
$175,482
Computer Science(bachelors)California Institute of Technology, CA
$173,344
Computer Science(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA
$171,264
Computer Science(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$161,851
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Harvard University, MA
$158,673
Medical Illustration and Informatics(doctoral)Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ
$156,890
Computer Science(masters)City University of Seattle, WA
$155,261
Computer Science(masters)Washington State University, WA
$155,261
Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA
$155,261
Computer Science(masters)Saint Martin's University, WA
$155,261
Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, WA
$155,261
Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA
$155,261
Computer Science(masters)Central Washington University, WA
$155,261
Computer Science(bachelors)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA
$154,492
Computer Science(masters)Cornell University, NY
$153,588
Computer Science(bachelors)Cornell University, NY
$152,656
Computer Science(bachelors)Harvard University, MA
$152,251
Computer Science(bachelors)Brown University, RI
$151,065
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA
$150,671
Computer Science(bachelors)University of California-Berkeley, CA
$149,866
Computer Science(masters)University of California-Irvine, CA
$148,476
Computer Science(masters)University of California-San Diego, CA
$148,262
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)University of California-San Diego, CA
$146,806
Computer Science(masters)University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL
$146,670

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