Computers and math
Computer and information research scientists
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.
Median pay
$140,300
Growth to 2035
+22%
much faster than average
Openings a year
2,900
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Computer and information research scientists
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Master's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to computer and information research scientists
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Computer and information research scientists: 42% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Computer Scientist · Computer Specialist · Control System Computer Scientist · Research Scientist · Scientific Programmer Analyst
Outlook and AI
Computer and information research scientists held 38,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 47,000 by 2035 (+22%, much faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Demand change - share increases as demand for solutions to complex computing challenges and for developing new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), will support an increased demand for computer and information research scientists.
Compare with
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Data scientist
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Mathematician
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Software engineer
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Computer programmer
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Operations research analyst
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Computer occupations, all other
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Computer systems analyst
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Mathematical science occupations, all other
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Biological scientists, all other
- Computer and information research scientists vs. Database architect