National Salary Overview
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Median Salary
$127,853
Average (Mean)
$133,538
Employed Nationwide
28,930
VS
Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $9,103 more (7.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$127,853
$118,749
Average (Mean) Salary
$133,538
$123,645
Total Employment
28,930
1,656,880
States with Higher Pay
28
14
Salary by State: Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Developers
Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer and Information Research Scientists pays more in 28 states; Software Developers pays more in 14.
| State | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Software Developers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $102,250 | $102,730 | $-480 | ||
| Arizona | $134,910 | $123,180 | +$11,730 | ||
| California | $175,530 | $168,660 | +$6,870 | ||
| Colorado | $126,840 | $134,960 | $-8,120 | ||
| Connecticut | $112,580 | $125,080 | $-12,500 | ||
| District of Columbia | $145,780 | $140,360 | +$5,420 | ||
| Florida | $118,190 | $122,310 | $-4,120 | ||
| Georgia | $83,600 | $127,070 | $-43,470 | ||
| Hawaii | $133,160 | $104,860 | +$28,300 | ||
| Idaho | $163,660 | $102,700 | +$60,960 | ||
| Illinois | $116,450 | $126,200 | $-9,750 | ||
| Indiana | $82,360 | $105,740 | $-23,380 | ||
| Iowa | $110,510 | $105,920 | +$4,590 | ||
| Kansas | $104,690 | $104,250 | +$440 | ||
| Kentucky | $116,250 | $103,030 | +$13,220 | ||
| Louisiana | $112,110 | $104,840 | +$7,270 | ||
| Maryland | $145,600 | $138,050 | +$7,550 | ||
| Massachusetts | $170,020 | $137,130 | +$32,890 | ||
| Michigan | $112,330 | $103,830 | +$8,500 | ||
| Minnesota | $116,810 | $125,380 | $-8,570 | ||
| Mississippi | $111,110 | $85,190 | +$25,920 | ||
| Missouri | $108,380 | $104,600 | +$3,780 | ||
| Nebraska | $101,990 | $109,800 | $-7,810 | ||
| Nevada | $126,840 | $125,590 | +$1,250 | ||
| New Hampshire | $131,540 | $128,860 | +$2,680 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,950 | $131,680 | $-1,730 | ||
| New Mexico | $172,190 | $126,560 | +$45,630 | ||
| New York | $151,470 | $145,470 | +$6,000 | ||
| North Carolina | $105,180 | $130,620 | $-25,440 | ||
| Ohio | $123,010 | $107,560 | +$15,450 | ||
| Oklahoma | $90,600 | $104,030 | $-13,430 | ||
| Oregon | $160,140 | $130,000 | +$30,140 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $118,870 | $111,910 | +$6,960 | ||
| Rhode Island | $122,030 | $128,990 | $-6,960 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,400 | $111,130 | +$3,270 | ||
| Tennessee | $120,090 | $110,660 | +$9,430 | ||
| Texas | $129,690 | $127,000 | +$2,690 | ||
| Utah | $88,610 | $116,830 | $-28,220 | ||
| Virginia | $143,750 | $135,040 | +$8,710 | ||
| Washington | $218,180 | $162,390 | +$55,790 | ||
| West Virginia | $167,480 | $81,380 | +$86,100 | ||
| Wisconsin | $150,700 | $102,660 | +$48,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Software Developers?
On average across all states, a Computer and Information Research Scientists earns more than a Software Developers. The national median salary difference is $9,103 (7.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer and Information Research Scientists earn more than a Software Developers?
A Computer and Information Research Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Software Developers in 28 out of 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Software Developers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Developers?
The national median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists is $127,853 per year, compared to $118,749 for a Software Developers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Software Developers?
There are more people employed as Software Developers. BLS reports approximately 28,930 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 1,656,880 Software Developers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Computer and Information Research Scientists or Software Developers?
Both Computer and Information Research Scientists and Software Developers 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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