How much does a computer scientist make?
a year · about $67 an hour
A typical computer scientist in the United States makes $140,300 a year, about $67 an hour, about 2.8× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They explore a computing problem, design algorithms, and run experiments on software to see what works. Then they analyze the results, talk with scientists or engineers, and write papers or present what they learned.
Did you know? Some computer scientists create programs that control robots.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $82,200 and $230,630How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish high school, earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, then usually complete a master’s; the master’s often takes 2–3 more years. Some federal jobs may accept a bachelor’s degree.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience and in-demand specialties such as machine learning, as well as the employer or industry and location. Most jobs are full-time, and professional certificates are rarely requested for these research roles.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Oregon ($206,220), lowest in Indiana ($85,460).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $82,200 | $140,300 | $230,630 | about 37,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $206,220 | about 730 |
| Washington | $202,400 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $181,990 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $170,510 | about 2,000 |
| California | $159,100 | about 8,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-res
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1221.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/May/oes151221.htm
- cacm.acm.org/research/the-role-of-professional-certifications-in-computer-occupa
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY