Average Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, Computer and Information Research Scientists command an average annual salary of $147,800. This figure is notably below the national average of $167,850, suggesting that while the demand is present, specific market dynamics or a higher concentration of specialized roles nationally may influence local compensation. The unique economic landscape and industry focus within the region likely contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $147,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area supports a robust workforce of 1,040 Computer and Information Research Scientists. With a Location Quotient of 3.1, this region demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, indicating strong industry presence and sustained demand for their specialized skills. The presence of nearly one research scientist per thousand workers (0.773 jobs per 1,000) underscores the importance of this field within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns-11.9%below the national average.
$71.1
$2,842
$12,317
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is not provided, the field of Computer and Information Research Science has experienced consistent growth over the past four years nationally. It is reasonable to assume that salaries within this sector in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area have also seen a positive upward trend, driven by increasing technological advancements and the critical need for innovation in research and development.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Salary progression for Computer and Information Research Scientists is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while senior researchers with extensive project leadership and publication records command salaries in the upper percentiles. The significant gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities available to dedicated professionals in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $99,200 | $47.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $110,850 | $53.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $152,780 | $73.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $184,750 | $88.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$147,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$147,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $147,800 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making relocation to this area financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective for these professionals.
Job Market Context
1,040
Total Jobs
0.773
Per 1K Jobs
3.1
Location Quotient
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 3.1x the national concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 3.1 signifies that Computer and Information Research Scientists are more than three times as concentrated in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area than in the nation as a whole. This high concentration suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers actively seek out talent, and professionals may find a rich ecosystem of related industries and research institutions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $164,380↑ 11% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $147,800. This typically ranges from $99,200 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 11.9% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $147,800 is below the national average, the high concentration of these roles (LQ 3.1) and a cost of living at the national average makes it a stable and opportunity-rich environment.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($164,380) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $147,800, which is $20,050 less than the national average of $167,850.
What is the concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 3.1, indicating that these professionals are more than three times as prevalent in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $147,800 salary offers average purchasing power.
What is the total number of Computer and Information Research Scientists in the area?
There are approximately 1,040 Computer and Information Research Scientists employed within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,040 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.773 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer and Information Research Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD