How to become a Computer and Information Research Scientist
Official title: Computer and Information Research Scientists
Also called: Computer Scientist, Computer Specialist, Control System Computer Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientific Programmer Analyst
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.
Main 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.
How to become one
Computer and information research scientists typically need at least a master's degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some jobs.
Typical education to start: Master's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 34 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $140,300 a year The middle half earn $103,570 to $188,700.
- About 38,600 people work in this job now, and about 47,000 are projected by 2035. (+21.8%)
- People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Related jobs
- Computer Programmers
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Information Security Analysts
- Computer Network Support Specialists
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Computer and Information Research Scientist?
Computer and information research scientists typically need at least a master's degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some jobs.
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $140,300 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $103,570 to $188,700.
Is a Computer and Information Research Scientist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 22% by 2035, from about 38,600 to about 47,000 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Computer and Information Research Scientist?
Usually. 94% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Computer and Information Research Scientist?
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.