Computer and Information Research Scientists pay in California
In California, the median pay for computer and information research scientists is $76.49 an hour ($159,100 a year). About 8,440 people work in this job there.
That is 13% higher than the U.S. median ($140,300). California ranks 6th of 35 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for computer and information research scientists in California
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $42.75 | $88,920 |
| 25% of workers | $53.93 | $112,170 |
| Half of workers (median) | $76.49 | $159,100 |
| 75% of workers | $102.71 | $213,630 |
| 90% of workers | $132.36 | $275,320 |
Computer and Information Research Scientists pay in California metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $218,420 | 2,210 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $171,880 | 70 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $171,440 | 1,670 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $155,960 | 940 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $139,210 | 140 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $137,330 | 150 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $121,530 | 1,680 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $116,650 | 490 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $112,050 | 350 |
California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for computer and information research scientists
- Typical education to start: Master's degree (BLS)
- Job outlook: +21.8% over ten years, much faster than average · about 2,900 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Software Developers | $174,410 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $134,440 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $79,570 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $127,720 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $128,740 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $136,110 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $106,440 |
| Information Security Analysts | $138,570 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.