National Salary Overview
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Median Salary
$133,027
Average (Mean)
$139,882
Employed Nationwide
35,760
VS
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Median Salary
$98,316
Average (Mean)
$101,534
Employed Nationwide
181,930
Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $34,710 more (35.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,027
$98,316
Average (Mean) Salary
$139,882
$101,534
Total Employment
35,760
181,930
States with Higher Pay
31
3
Salary by State: Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer and Information Research Scientists pays more in 31 states; Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers pays more in 3.
| State | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $117,870 | $101,500 | +$16,370 | ||
| Arizona | $129,760 | $100,650 | +$29,110 | ||
| California | $159,100 | $128,740 | +$30,360 | ||
| Colorado | $133,160 | $123,690 | +$9,470 | ||
| Connecticut | $131,650 | $97,740 | +$33,910 | ||
| District of Columbia | $144,190 | $103,340 | +$40,850 | ||
| Florida | $119,810 | $100,210 | +$19,600 | ||
| Georgia | $92,250 | $103,040 | $-10,790 | ||
| Hawaii | $134,350 | $102,930 | +$31,420 | ||
| Illinois | $136,540 | $104,910 | +$31,630 | ||
| Indiana | $85,460 | $87,020 | $-1,560 | ||
| Louisiana | $115,210 | $66,810 | +$48,400 | ||
| Maryland | $145,310 | $111,100 | +$34,210 | ||
| Massachusetts | $170,510 | $122,210 | +$48,300 | ||
| Michigan | $82,590 | $98,720 | $-16,130 | ||
| Minnesota | $135,850 | $101,700 | +$34,150 | ||
| Mississippi | $109,050 | $79,890 | +$29,160 | ||
| Missouri | $127,820 | $85,530 | +$42,290 | ||
| New Hampshire | $136,160 | $107,100 | +$29,060 | ||
| New Jersey | $140,840 | $119,470 | +$21,370 | ||
| New Mexico | $165,690 | $116,580 | +$49,110 | ||
| New York | $181,990 | $121,240 | +$60,750 | ||
| North Carolina | $128,370 | $100,390 | +$27,980 | ||
| Ohio | $135,510 | $98,000 | +$37,510 | ||
| Oklahoma | $93,100 | $77,700 | +$15,400 | ||
| Oregon | $206,220 | $108,440 | +$97,780 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $130,300 | $93,030 | +$37,270 | ||
| Rhode Island | $121,470 | $101,790 | +$19,680 | ||
| South Carolina | $126,980 | $97,500 | +$29,480 | ||
| Tennessee | $108,830 | $91,040 | +$17,790 | ||
| Texas | $121,210 | $101,850 | +$19,360 | ||
| Utah | $94,700 | $82,100 | +$12,600 | ||
| Virginia | $157,390 | $121,590 | +$35,800 | ||
| Washington | $202,400 | $128,480 | +$73,920 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
On average across all states, a Computer and Information Research Scientists earns more than a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers. The national median salary difference is $34,710 (35.3%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer and Information Research Scientists earn more than a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
A Computer and Information Research Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in 31 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The national median salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists is $133,027 per year, compared to $98,316 for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
There are more people employed as Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers. BLS reports approximately 35,760 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 181,930 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Computer and Information Research Scientists or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Both Computer and Information Research Scientists and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 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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