Computer and information research scientists develop new computing technologies and solve complex problems through research and experimentation. The work is deeply analytical, requires advanced study, and sits at the frontier of digital innovation. You will need a bachelor's degree at minimum.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Computer and information research scientists design and conduct experiments to advance computing technology and methods. You will spend time working with computers to test theories, analyze data, and evaluate results. The role involves making decisions about research direction, gathering information from existing literature, and staying current with rapid advances in the field. You think creatively to identify novel solutions, update your knowledge continuously, and communicate findings clearly. This is research-focused work that bridges mathematics, engineering, and practical computing applications.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Computer and Information Research Scientists earn a median of $140,300 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 20 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 3,200 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You will need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. The path requires extensive preparation, including strong coursework in mathematics, computers and electronics, and engineering principles. Many positions prefer or require graduate study. Beyond formal education, you should develop skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, and active learning. Building experience through internships, research projects, or academic work in computing labs strengthens your candidacy and helps you understand whether research-level work matches your interests.
Most paths to this career start with a bachelor's degree and often continue into graduate study. The choice between entering the workforce earlier or pursuing advanced credentials depends on your goals and timeline, so if you are exploring those options, Pathly can map the computer and information research scientist path that fits you and turn it into a step-by-step plan with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a computer and information research scientist, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to investigative work that requires deep analysis, creative problem-solving, and continuous learning. You enjoy working with abstract concepts and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in computing.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).