Computer & Mathematical
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Also called: Computer Scientist, Computer Specialist, Control System Computer Scientist, Research Scientist
US median pay
$140,300
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+21.8%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
2,900
38,600 employed
Typical entry education
Master's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving4.0/5
- Systems Analysis3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.6/5
- Programming3.6/5
- Time Management3.4/5
- Technology Design3.1/5
- Operations Analysis3.1/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.6/5
- Mathematics4.1/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
- Design3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Master's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree36%
- Doctoral degree28%
- Master's degree20%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.