Computer and information research scientists
SOC Code: 15-1221
Computer and information research scientists carries a 41% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $140,910 and +19.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 40,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Computer and information research scientists (SOC 15-1221) carries an AI exposure score of 41%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 40,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +19.7% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $140,910, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Computer and information research scientists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- 2. Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- 3. Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- 4. Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- 5. Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- 6. Design computers and the software that runs them.
- 7. Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- 8. Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
- 9. Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
- 10. Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Systems Analysis
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Telecommunications
- Physics
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Computer and information research scientists?
Computer and information research scientists has an AI exposure score of 41%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Computer and information research scientists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Computer and information research scientists is projected to grow by 19.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 40,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Computer and information research scientists?
Key skills for Computer and information research scientists include Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Computer and information research scientists earn?
The median annual wage for Computer and information research scientists is $140,910, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Computer and information research scientists?
The typical entry-level education for Computer and information research scientists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Computer and information research scientists?
Computer and information research scientists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).