Average Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in California
In California, Computer and Information Research Scientists earn an average annual salary of $163,890. This figure is slightly below the national average of $167,850, but the state's robust tech industry and high demand for specialized research talent often influence compensation structures, leading to competitive pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $163,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $245,835.
- Outlook: California boasts a significant workforce of 8,570 Computer and Information Research Scientists, indicating a substantial presence in this field. The location quotient of 1.9 suggests that this profession is more concentrated in California than the national average, pointing to a strong and active job market with considerable demand for these specialized roles.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in California earns-2.4%below the national average.
$78.8
$3,152
$13,658
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that the demand for Computer and Information Research Scientists in California has driven salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the technology sector. Increased investment in AI, machine learning, and data science research likely contributes to upward pressure on compensation.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in California
Salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists in California typically scale with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and a proven track record in research and development can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting significant career progression and specialized expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $83,100 | $40 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $122,918 | $59.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $156,290 | $75.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $204,863 | $98.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $245,835 | $118.2 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$163,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$118,332
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average salary of $163,890 in California, while substantial, must be considered against the state's high cost of living index of 138.5. This means that while the nominal salary is strong, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
8,570
Total Jobs
0.475
Per 1K Jobs
1.9
Location Quotient
California has 1.9x 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.
With a location quotient of 1.9, California exhibits a concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists nearly double the national average. This indicates a highly developed and competitive market for these professionals, suggesting abundant opportunities but also a potentially crowded field for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $120,880↓ 26% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in California?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in California is $163,890. This typically ranges from $83,100 for entry-level positions to $245,835 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 2.4% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is California a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for Computer and Information Research Scientists.Despite a nominal salary slightly below the national average, the high concentration of tech jobs and research institutions creates significant demand and earning potential. The substantial workforce size further underscores the state's importance in this field.
Is California a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($120,880) and others.
How does California's cost of living affect the Computer and Information Research Scientist salary?
California's cost of living index of 138.5 means that the $163,890 average salary has less purchasing power than the national average salary in a lower cost-of-living area. Expenses such as housing, transportation, and daily necessities are significantly higher.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.9 mean for this role in California?
A Location Quotient of 1.9 signifies that Computer and Information Research Scientists are employed in California at a rate 90% higher than the national average. This indicates a strong industry presence and potentially more job opportunities compared to other states.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists are there in California?
California employs a substantial workforce of 8,570 Computer and Information Research Scientists, highlighting the state's significant role in this specialized field.
Is the job market for Computer and Information Research Scientists growing in California?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the high concentration (LQ of 1.9) and substantial workforce suggest a robust and likely growing market, driven by the state's leading technology and research sectors.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,570 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.475 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 California