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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.

SOC: 15-1221.00

Common Job Titles

  • Computer Scientist
  • Computer Specialist
  • Control System Computer Scientist
  • Research Scientist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign novel algorithms and computational solutions for fundamental problems in computer hardware and software, working independently in research settings.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate complex computational systems and architectures using systems analysis methodologies and performance metrics in distributed and parallel computing environments.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize theoretical computer science principles with practical implementation requirements when developing innovative solutions to emerging computational challenges.
  • KnowledgeFormulate research objectives and experimental methodologies for investigating fundamental questions in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or computational theory.
  • KnowledgeDevelop mathematical models and optimization frameworks applying advanced mathematics, statistics, and algorithmic theory to solve complex computational problems.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze large-scale datasets and computational results using statistical software, data mining techniques, and visualization tools to identify patterns and insights.
  • Hands-onPerform software development and programming tasks using multiple programming languages (Python, C++, Java, R) and development environments for research prototypes and production systems.
  • Hands-onOperate high-performance computing infrastructure including cluster systems, parallel processors, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) for computationally intensive research.
  • MindsetIntegrate interdisciplinary perspectives and stakeholder requirements when collaborating with domain experts, industry partners, and research teams on complex computational projects.
  • KnowledgeInterpret technical research findings and computational models for diverse audiences through written publications, presentations, and consultations with stakeholders.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Computer and Information Research Scientists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

38,480

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $80,670. 25th percentile: U.S. $102,710. 50th percentile: U.S. $140,910. 75th percentile: U.S. $181,210. 90th percentile: U.S. $232,120. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$80,670
10% of workers earn the following or more$232,120
Workers on average earn$152,310

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Computers and Electronics4.6/5
  • Mathematics4.1/5
  • Engineering and Technology4.0/5
  • English Language3.9/5
  • Administration and Management3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Amazon DynamoDB
  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
  • Amazon Redshift
  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Apache Cassandra
  • Apache Hadoop
  • Apache Hive
  • Apache Kafka
  • Apache Spark
  • Apache Subversion SVN
  • Bash
  • C
  • C#
  • C++
  • Django
  • Docker
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Eclipse IDE
  • Elasticsearch
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Git
  • GitHub
  • Google Analytics
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • JavaScript
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Azure software
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • MongoDB
  • MySQL
  • NoSQL
  • Node.js
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Oracle Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE
  • PHP
  • Perl
  • PostgreSQL
  • PyTorch
  • Python
  • R
  • Ruby
  • SAS
  • Scala
  • Shell script
  • Splunk Enterprise
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau
  • TensorFlow
  • Teradata Database
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Transact-SQL
  • UNIX
  • UNIX Shell

Technology Skills

  • 3D graphics software
  • Ada
  • Advanced numerical software
  • Algorithmic software
  • Apache Flume
  • Apache HTTP Server
  • Apache Pig
  • Apache Solr
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Articulated robots
  • Cluster systems
  • Computer laser printers
  • Computer scanners
  • Digital cameras
  • Digital video cameras
  • Distributed heterogeneous computers
  • File servers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment