JRIJob Risk Index
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Profession JRI–37 / Technology

Will AI replace computer and information research scientists?

Computer and information research scientists advance computing by analyzing problems and devising software and hardware solutions. Much of the structured work—assigning tasks, checking feasibility against known criteria, and translating requirements into code—can be handled by automation within a few years.

The risk spectrum — where Computer and Information Research Scientist sits
Computer and Information Research Scientist vs the 82 other jobs
Risk rank37 / 83
Automation timeline2-5 years
Median salary$140,300
Projected growth+19.7% (2024–34)
01 / Your plan

Learn before your role changes.

Picked to match what this role actually asks for — refreshed weekly, never by what a platform pays.

What you'll learn
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Updated Aug 10, 2026

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02 / Job market

Official outlook: still growing.

Within the 83 professions
Salary$140,300
$31k$171k
Growth+19.7% (2024–34)
-25.9%33.5%

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a +19.7% change in employment for this occupation between 2024 and 2034, from a current base of 37,200 people employed earning a median of $140,300 a year.

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–34 & OEWS May 2025.

AI adoption in postings →

03 / Real salaries

Computer and Information Research Scientist salaries by city

Median pay from real records (H-1B filings and tech job postings), across the cities with most observations.

New York$183,800Seattle$175,000Bellevue$176,936Menlo Park$192,339San Francisco$225,000Mountain View$196,000

Range shows p25–p75; the dot is the median. Sources carry a documented bias — see the full salary page.

See real salaries →

04 / How to enter

How to become a computer and information research scientist.

Typical preparation

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school.

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Job training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Getting in is one thing — the day-to-day runs on a specific set of tools and skills:

Skills employers ask for

From real job postings for this role — click to explore who asks for them.

Source: O*NET 30.0 database (CC BY 4.0).

07 / FAQ

What people ask.

01Will AI replace computer and information research scientists?
Computer and information research scientists score 58 on the job risk index, a high-risk level, and the evidence projects major workflow automation within 2-5 years. The occupation employs 37,200 people in the U.S. per the evidence.
02How fast will AI change Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Evidence indicates a 2-5 year horizon for automated handling of structured work such as task scheduling and code translation. The index assigns a 58-point risk rating, while projected employment growth of +19.7% over 2024–34 suggests the occupation may still expand overall.
03What skills keep Computer and Information Research Scientists relevant?
Systems Evaluation, Stakeholder Consultation, and Strategic Problem Framing are high-demand skills to cultivate, per the evidence. Complex Problem Solving and Critical Thinking are also listed as entry-required abilities.
04How does someone become a Computer and Information Research Scientist?
Graduate school is expected for most people entering this occupation, according to the evidence. Preparation should include Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Judgment and Decision Making, which are listed as entry requirements.
05What related jobs can Computer and Information Research Scientists move into?
Data Analysts, Operations Research Analysts, and Software Engineers are listed as related alternatives in the evidence. Their risk index scores are 55, 53, and 30 respectively, indicating different exposure levels for someone pivoting.
06Is Computer and Information Research Scientist a good career to start in 2026?
Starting in 2026 means weighing median pay of $140,300 against a 58-point risk rating. The evidence also shows +19.7% projected employment growth over 2024–34 and a 2-5 year horizon for automation of structured tasks.
07How many Computer and Information Research Scientists work in the U.S.?
Employment figures show 37,200 Computer and Information Research Scientists in the U.S., with median pay of $140,300 and a 58-point risk rating. The same evidence projects +19.7% employment growth over 2024–34.