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Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Data Scientists: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Median Salary
$133,027
Average (Mean)
$139,882
Employed Nationwide
35,760
VS

Data Scientists

Median Salary
$107,281
Average (Mean)
$113,686
Employed Nationwide
261,640
Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $25,745 more (24.0%)
Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Data Scientists national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Computer and Information Research ScientistsComputer and Information Res…Computer and Information Research Scientists: $133,027$133,027Data ScientistsData ScientistsData Scientists: $107,281$107,281

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $133,027 $107,281
Average (Mean) Salary $139,882 $113,686
Total Employment 35,760 261,640
States with Higher Pay 30 5

Salary by State: Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Data Scientists

Showing 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer and Information Research Scientists pays more in 30 states; Data Scientists pays more in 5.

State Computer and Information Research Scientists Data Scientists Difference
Alabama $117,870
$103,120
+$14,750
Arizona $129,760
$107,240
+$22,520
California $159,100
$141,590
+$17,510
Colorado $133,160
$117,400
+$15,760
Connecticut $131,650
$126,340
+$5,310
District of Columbia $144,190
$126,490
+$17,700
Florida $119,810
$115,820
+$3,990
Georgia $92,250
$104,340
$-12,090
Hawaii $134,350
$102,130
+$32,220
Illinois $136,540
$106,560
+$29,980
Indiana $85,460
$91,470
$-6,010
Louisiana $115,210
$78,760
+$36,450
Maryland $145,310
$136,370
+$8,940
Massachusetts $170,510
$131,750
+$38,760
Michigan $82,590
$100,590
$-18,000
Minnesota $135,850
$128,800
+$7,050
Mississippi $109,050
$69,490
+$39,560
Missouri $127,820
$97,090
+$30,730
Nevada $134,310
$98,540
+$35,770
New Hampshire $136,160
$100,620
+$35,540
New Jersey $140,840
$135,280
+$5,560
New Mexico $165,690
$95,850
+$69,840
New York $181,990
$130,460
+$51,530
North Carolina $128,370
$119,090
+$9,280
Ohio $135,510
$102,630
+$32,880
Oklahoma $93,100
$86,310
+$6,790
Oregon $206,220
$125,990
+$80,230
Pennsylvania $130,300
$106,850
+$23,450
Rhode Island $121,470
$102,440
+$19,030
South Carolina $126,980
$91,990
+$34,990
Tennessee $108,830
$100,330
+$8,500
Texas $121,210
$122,090
$-880
Utah $94,700
$108,090
$-13,390
Virginia $157,390
$126,430
+$30,960
Washington $202,400
$163,350
+$39,050

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Data Scientists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Data Scientists?
On average across all states, a Computer and Information Research Scientists earns more than a Data Scientists. The national median salary difference is $25,745 (24.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer and Information Research Scientists earn more than a Data Scientists?
A Computer and Information Research Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Data Scientists in 30 out of 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Data Scientists pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Data Scientists?
The national median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists is $133,027 per year, compared to $107,281 for a Data Scientists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Data Scientists?
There are more people employed as Data Scientists. BLS reports approximately 35,760 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 261,640 Data Scientists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Computer and Information Research Scientists or Data Scientists?
Both Computer and Information Research Scientists and Data Scientists 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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