Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields.
Computer and information research scientists typically do the following:
Computer and information research scientists create and improve computer software and hardware.
To create and improve software, computer and information research scientists work with algorithms: sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Some difficult computing tasks require complex algorithms, which these scientists simplify to make computer systems as efficient as possible. These simplified algorithms may lead to advancements in many types of technology, such as machine learning systems and cloud computing.
To improve computer hardware, these scientists design computer architecture. Their work may result in increased efficiencies, such as better networking technology, faster computing speeds, and improved information security.
The following are examples of specialties for computer and information research scientists:
Programming. Some computer and information research scientists study and design new programming languages that are used to write software. New languages make software writing efficient by improving an existing language, such as Java, or by simplifying a specific aspect of programming, such as image processing.
Robotics. These scientists study the development and application of robots. They explore how a machine can interact with the physical world. For example, they may create systems that control the robots or design robots to have features such as information processing or sensory feedback.
Some computer and information research scientists work on multidisciplinary projects with electrical engineers, computer hardware engineers, and other specialists. For example, robotics specialists and engineers who design robots’ hardware may team up to test whether the robots complete tasks as intended.
Computer and information research scientists held about 33,500 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of computer and information research scientists were as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 31% |
| Computer systems design and related services | 20 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 16 |
| Software publishers | 6 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 5 |
Some scientists collaborate with engineers or other specialists or research scientists in different locations and do much of their work online.
Most computer and information research scientists work full time.
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.
Computer and information research scientists typically need a master’s or higher degree in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering. A master’s degree usually requires 2 to 3 years of study after earning a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or information systems. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a Ph.D. Others, such as the federal government, may hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology.
Computer and information research scientists who work in a specialized field may need knowledge of that field. For example, those working on biomedical applications may need to have studied biology.
Some computer and information research scientists advance to become computer and information systems managers.
Analytical skills. Computer and information research scientists must be organized in their thinking to evaluate the results of their research.
Communication skills. Computer and information research scientists must be able to clearly explain their research, including to a nontechnical audience. They write papers for publication and present their research at conferences.
Detail oriented. Computer and information research scientists must pay close attention to their work, such as when testing the systems they design. Small programming errors could affect an entire project.
Interpersonal skills. Computer and information research scientists must work effectively with programmers and managers. They also may be on teams with engineers or other specialists.
Logical thinking. Computer and information research scientists must use sound reasoning when working on algorithms.
Math skills. Computer and information research scientists need a solid grasp of advanced math and other technical subjects critical to computing.
Problem-solving skills. Computer and information research scientists must think creatively to find innovative solutions in their research.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $131,490 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $74,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for computer and information research scientists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | $161,870 |
| Software publishers | 152,940 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 132,810 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 112,310 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 79,510 |
Most computer and information research scientists work full time.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 3,300 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The research and development conducted by computer and information research scientists turn ideas into technology. As demand for new and better technology grows, demand for computer and information research scientists will grow as well.
Rapid growth in data collection by businesses will lead to an increased need for data-mining services. Computer and information research scientists will be needed to write algorithms that help businesses make sense of very large amounts of data.
A growing emphasis on cybersecurity also should lead to new jobs because computer and information research scientists will be needed to find innovative ways to prevent potential cyberattacks. In addition, an increase in demand for software may increase the need for computer and information research scientists who create new programming languages to make software writing more efficient.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Computer and information research scientists |
15-1221 | 33,500 | 40,600 | 21 | 7,100 | Get data | |
For more information about computer and information research scientists, visit
Association for Computing Machinery
Computing Research Association
For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit
National Center for Women & Information Technology
To find job openings for computer and information research scientists in the federal government, visit
For a career video on computer and information research scientists, visit
Computer and Information Research Scientists