National Salary Overview
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Median Salary
$133,027
Average (Mean)
$139,882
Employed Nationwide
35,760
VS
Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $5,625 more (4.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,027
$127,401
Average (Mean) Salary
$139,882
$131,905
Total Employment
35,760
1,687,370
States with Higher Pay
19
16
Salary by State: Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Developers
Showing 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer and Information Research Scientists pays more in 19 states; Software Developers pays more in 16.
| State | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Software Developers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $117,870 | $122,540 | $-4,670 | ||
| Arizona | $129,760 | $129,690 | +$70 | ||
| California | $159,100 | $174,410 | $-15,310 | ||
| Colorado | $133,160 | $138,390 | $-5,230 | ||
| Connecticut | $131,650 | $134,120 | $-2,470 | ||
| District of Columbia | $144,190 | $136,880 | +$7,310 | ||
| Florida | $119,810 | $130,980 | $-11,170 | ||
| Georgia | $92,250 | $131,010 | $-38,760 | ||
| Hawaii | $134,350 | $124,040 | +$10,310 | ||
| Illinois | $136,540 | $132,110 | +$4,430 | ||
| Indiana | $85,460 | $105,920 | $-20,460 | ||
| Louisiana | $115,210 | $102,800 | +$12,410 | ||
| Maryland | $145,310 | $138,680 | +$6,630 | ||
| Massachusetts | $170,510 | $165,210 | +$5,300 | ||
| Michigan | $82,590 | $125,570 | $-42,980 | ||
| Minnesota | $135,850 | $130,050 | +$5,800 | ||
| Mississippi | $109,050 | $95,330 | +$13,720 | ||
| Missouri | $127,820 | $126,120 | +$1,700 | ||
| Nevada | $134,310 | $128,810 | +$5,500 | ||
| New Hampshire | $136,160 | $139,720 | $-3,560 | ||
| New Jersey | $140,840 | $135,940 | +$4,900 | ||
| New Mexico | $165,690 | $124,520 | +$41,170 | ||
| New York | $181,990 | $166,180 | +$15,810 | ||
| North Carolina | $128,370 | $134,710 | $-6,340 | ||
| Ohio | $135,510 | $114,090 | +$21,420 | ||
| Oklahoma | $93,100 | $118,100 | $-25,000 | ||
| Oregon | $206,220 | $142,720 | +$63,500 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $130,300 | $126,550 | +$3,750 | ||
| Rhode Island | $121,470 | $130,590 | $-9,120 | ||
| South Carolina | $126,980 | $129,450 | $-2,470 | ||
| Tennessee | $108,830 | $122,430 | $-13,600 | ||
| Texas | $121,210 | $132,150 | $-10,940 | ||
| Utah | $94,700 | $128,810 | $-34,110 | ||
| Virginia | $157,390 | $136,460 | +$20,930 | ||
| Washington | $202,400 | $166,540 | +$35,860 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Developers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $5,625 (4.4%) based on 2025 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 19 out of 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Software Developers pays more in 16 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 $133,027 per year, compared to $127,401 for a Software Developers, according to 2025 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 35,760 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 1,687,370 Software Developers positions nationwide (2025).
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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