National Salary Overview
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Median Salary
$127,853
Average (Mean)
$133,538
Employed Nationwide
28,930
VS
Optometrists earns $1,735 more (1.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$127,853
$129,588
Average (Mean) Salary
$133,538
$136,502
Total Employment
28,930
39,900
States with Higher Pay
14
27
Salary by State: Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Optometrists
Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer and Information Research Scientists pays more in 14 states; Optometrists pays more in 27.
| State | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Optometrists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $102,250 | $117,900 | $-15,650 | ||
| Arizona | $134,910 | $133,500 | +$1,410 | ||
| California | $175,530 | $134,020 | +$41,510 | ||
| Colorado | $126,840 | $136,900 | $-10,060 | ||
| Connecticut | $112,580 | $147,260 | $-34,680 | ||
| District of Columbia | $145,780 | $149,990 | $-4,210 | ||
| Florida | $118,190 | $125,480 | $-7,290 | ||
| Georgia | $83,600 | $119,900 | $-36,300 | ||
| Hawaii | $133,160 | $134,540 | $-1,380 | ||
| Idaho | $163,660 | $82,790 | +$80,870 | ||
| Illinois | $116,450 | $131,060 | $-14,610 | ||
| Indiana | $82,360 | $119,950 | $-37,590 | ||
| Iowa | $110,510 | $122,320 | $-11,810 | ||
| Kansas | $104,690 | $124,810 | $-20,120 | ||
| Kentucky | $116,250 | $130,210 | $-13,960 | ||
| Louisiana | $112,110 | $124,920 | $-12,810 | ||
| Maryland | $145,600 | $163,510 | $-17,910 | ||
| Massachusetts | $170,020 | $144,920 | +$25,100 | ||
| Michigan | $112,330 | $128,680 | $-16,350 | ||
| Minnesota | $116,810 | $137,210 | $-20,400 | ||
| Mississippi | $111,110 | $105,530 | +$5,580 | ||
| Missouri | $108,380 | $98,800 | +$9,580 | ||
| Nebraska | $101,990 | $123,970 | $-21,980 | ||
| Nevada | $126,840 | $118,040 | +$8,800 | ||
| New Hampshire | $131,540 | $129,720 | +$1,820 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,950 | $146,700 | $-16,750 | ||
| New Mexico | $172,190 | $155,060 | +$17,130 | ||
| New York | $151,470 | $157,480 | $-6,010 | ||
| North Carolina | $105,180 | $154,560 | $-49,380 | ||
| Ohio | $123,010 | $126,650 | $-3,640 | ||
| Oklahoma | $90,600 | $97,670 | $-7,070 | ||
| Oregon | $160,140 | $132,200 | +$27,940 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $118,870 | $137,560 | $-18,690 | ||
| Rhode Island | $122,030 | $135,160 | $-13,130 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,400 | $124,190 | $-9,790 | ||
| Tennessee | $120,090 | $107,510 | +$12,580 | ||
| Texas | $129,690 | $130,580 | $-890 | ||
| Utah | $88,610 | $121,250 | $-32,640 | ||
| Washington | $218,180 | $143,160 | +$75,020 | ||
| West Virginia | $167,480 | $139,080 | +$28,400 | ||
| Wisconsin | $150,700 | $136,630 | +$14,070 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Optometrists?
On average across all states, a Optometrists earns more than a Computer and Information Research Scientists. The national median salary difference is $1,735 (1.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer and Information Research Scientists earn more than a Optometrists?
A Computer and Information Research Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Optometrists in 14 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Optometrists pays more in 27 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Optometrists?
The national median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists is $127,853 per year, compared to $129,588 for a Optometrists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Optometrists?
There are more people employed as Optometrists. BLS reports approximately 28,930 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 39,900 Optometrists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Computer and Information Research Scientists or Optometrists?
Both Computer and Information Research Scientists and Optometrists 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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