Computer and Information Research Scientists
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics · Science and Mathematics
Pay and outlook shown for
New workers start near $63,550; experienced workers reach $170,850
Job outlook
U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.
- Employment change
- +20%
- Openings a year
- 3,200
- Employed in 2024
- 40,300
Typical entry education: Master's degree
Alamo Colleges programs that lead here
10 programs, with the college that teaches each.
Skills this career uses
The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.
- Judgment and Decision Making4.6
- Complex Problem Solving4.4
- Critical Thinking4.3
- Reading Comprehension4.5
- Systems Analysis4.4
- Active Listening4.1
- Systems Evaluation4.9
- Programming4.5
What the work 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.
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
Education people in this job have
Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.
- Some college8%
- Bachelor's degree36%
- Master's degree20%
- Doctoral or professional36%
Job zone 5, extensive preparation: A graduate or professional degree, usually after a bachelor's.
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