Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Computer and information research scientists typically need at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some jobs. PayThe median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $140,300 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer and information research scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer and information research scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer and information research scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $140,300 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer and information research scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer and information research scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer and information research scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer and information research scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer and information research scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer and information research scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
Work Environment
Most computer and information research scientists work full time.
How to Become a Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists typically need at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some jobs.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $140,300 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,900 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer and information research scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer and information research scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer and information research scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most computer and information research scientists work full time.
How to Become a Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists typically need at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some jobs.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $140,300 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,900 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer and information research scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer and information research scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer and information research scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer and information research scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer and information research scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer and information research scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about computer and information research scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.