National Salary Overview
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Median Salary
$133,027
Average (Mean)
$139,882
Employed Nationwide
35,760
VS
Computer Network Architects
Median Salary
$126,451
Average (Mean)
$129,631
Employed Nationwide
179,340
Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $6,575 more (5.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,027
$126,451
Average (Mean) Salary
$139,882
$129,631
Total Employment
35,760
179,340
States with Higher Pay
17
18
Salary by State: Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Network Architects
Showing 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer and Information Research Scientists pays more in 17 states; Computer Network Architects pays more in 18.
| State | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Computer Network Architects | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $117,870 | $130,810 | $-12,940 | ||
| Arizona | $129,760 | $130,890 | $-1,130 | ||
| California | $159,100 | $158,870 | +$230 | ||
| Colorado | $133,160 | $139,230 | $-6,070 | ||
| Connecticut | $131,650 | $143,890 | $-12,240 | ||
| District of Columbia | $144,190 | $137,670 | +$6,520 | ||
| Florida | $119,810 | $132,800 | $-12,990 | ||
| Georgia | $92,250 | $133,890 | $-41,640 | ||
| Hawaii | $134,350 | $108,000 | +$26,350 | ||
| Illinois | $136,540 | $132,790 | +$3,750 | ||
| Indiana | $85,460 | $124,190 | $-38,730 | ||
| Louisiana | $115,210 | $106,620 | +$8,590 | ||
| Maryland | $145,310 | $159,460 | $-14,150 | ||
| Massachusetts | $170,510 | $155,060 | +$15,450 | ||
| Michigan | $82,590 | $112,040 | $-29,450 | ||
| Minnesota | $135,850 | $133,270 | +$2,580 | ||
| Mississippi | $109,050 | $90,990 | +$18,060 | ||
| Missouri | $127,820 | $103,130 | +$24,690 | ||
| Nevada | $134,310 | $138,060 | $-3,750 | ||
| New Hampshire | $136,160 | $125,420 | +$10,740 | ||
| New Jersey | $140,840 | $162,350 | $-21,510 | ||
| New Mexico | $165,690 | $109,080 | +$56,610 | ||
| New York | $181,990 | $140,390 | +$41,600 | ||
| North Carolina | $128,370 | $127,320 | +$1,050 | ||
| Ohio | $135,510 | $131,070 | +$4,440 | ||
| Oklahoma | $93,100 | $109,450 | $-16,350 | ||
| Oregon | $206,220 | $135,660 | +$70,560 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $130,300 | $131,840 | $-1,540 | ||
| Rhode Island | $121,470 | $131,320 | $-9,850 | ||
| South Carolina | $126,980 | $134,990 | $-8,010 | ||
| Tennessee | $108,830 | $123,860 | $-15,030 | ||
| Texas | $121,210 | $133,310 | $-12,100 | ||
| Utah | $94,700 | $121,000 | $-26,300 | ||
| Virginia | $157,390 | $141,340 | +$16,050 | ||
| Washington | $202,400 | $168,070 | +$34,330 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Network Architects salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Computer Network Architects?
On average across all states, a Computer and Information Research Scientists earns more than a Computer Network Architects. The national median salary difference is $6,575 (5.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer and Information Research Scientists earn more than a Computer Network Architects?
A Computer and Information Research Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Computer Network Architects in 17 out of 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Computer Network Architects pays more in 18 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Network Architects?
The national median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists is $133,027 per year, compared to $126,451 for a Computer Network Architects, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Computer Network Architects?
There are more people employed as Computer Network Architects. BLS reports approximately 35,760 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 179,340 Computer Network Architects positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Computer and Information Research Scientists or Computer Network Architects?
Both Computer and Information Research Scientists and Computer Network Architects are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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