Computer and information research scientists
SOC Code: 15-1221Also known as:
AI Engineer (Artificial Intelligence Engineer), Applied Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Specialist (AI Specialist), Computational Linguist, Computational Scientist
Median Annual Salary
$140,910
+19.7% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
40K
Current Jobs
What Computer and information research scientists Do
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
💰 Salary
$140,910
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+19.7%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
40,300
Projected Employment (2034)
48,300
Related Careers
Computer programmers
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-6.0% growth
Software developers
$133,080 •
+15.8% growth
Mathematicians
$121,680 •
-0.7% growth
Operations research analysts
$91,290 •
+21.5% growth
Data scientists
$112,590 •
+33.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
- Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Computer and information research scientists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a computer and information research scientists:
Computer Science
79,857 degrees awarded •
1,001 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Sciences, General
67,926 degrees awarded •
882 colleges offer this program
Information Technology
42,322 degrees awarded •
668 colleges offer this program
Information Science/Studies
22,425 degrees awarded •
380 colleges offer this program
Data Science, General
7,668 degrees awarded •
243 colleges offer this program
Informatics
3,067 degrees awarded •
71 colleges offer this program
Medical Informatics
3,054 degrees awarded •
142 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Sciences, Other
2,635 degrees awarded •
82 colleges offer this program
Human Computer Interaction
2,298 degrees awarded •
51 colleges offer this program
Artificial Intelligence
1,653 degrees awarded •
87 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Computer and information research scientists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become computer and information research scientists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer and information research scientists make?
The median annual salary for computer and information research scientists is $140,910.
What education do computer and information research scientists need?
Most computer and information research scientists positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer Science, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Information Technology.
Is becoming computer and information research scientists a good career choice?
Computer and information research scientists is projected to see +19.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 3,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for computer and information research scientists?
Top colleges for aspiring computer and information research scientists include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, University of California-Berkeley, University of Southern California, Columbia University in the City of New York.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to computer and information research scientists?
Computer and information research scientists may also be known as: AI Engineer (Artificial Intelligence Engineer), Applied Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Specialist (AI Specialist), Computational Linguist, Computational Scientist, Computational Theory Scientist, Computer Scientist, Computer Specialist, Computer Vision Scientist, Control System Computer Scientist, Cryptologist, Cybersecurity Research Scientist (Cyber Research Scientist), Digital Solutions Manager, Information Scientist, Languages Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer, Machine Learning Research Scientist, Machine Learning Scientist, Multi-Disciplined Language Analyst, NLP Engineer (Natural Language Processing Engineer).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.