Computer and Information Research Scientists: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Job description

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.

• 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.
• Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.

Salary

Computer Research Scientists with little to no experience tend to make between $69230 and $91650 while the more experienced ones can earn over $149470 per year.

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Computer and Information Research Scientist is to move to a higher paying state like WA. Right now, the highest paying states for Computer Research Scientists are WA, AL, ID, NM and CA.

However, a higher pay at WA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at WA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Computer and Information Research Scientist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.

Requirements

We asked other Computer Research Scientists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by a PhD.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Computer and Information Research Scientist.

What is the job like

78% of Computer Research Scientists said they were satisfied with their job and 45% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Is this right for me

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

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