In the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area, Computer and Information Research Scientists earn an average annual salary of $123,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $167,850, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation for this specialized field within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $123,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $165,360.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington comprises 330 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.46, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated but potentially growing market. The presence of 0.116 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a moderate but steady demand for these specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns-26.3%below the national average.
$59.5
$2,379
$10,310
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the technology and research sectors. This upward trajectory is driven by increasing demand for advanced computational expertise and innovation.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Salary progression for Computer and Information Research Scientists typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists with extensive research portfolios and leadership experience can command salaries well above the average. The widening percentile gaps from junior to senior roles clearly signify substantial career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $82,620 | $39.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $92,790 | $44.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $124,680 | $59.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $154,650 | $74.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $165,360 | $79.5 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$123,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$123,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $123,720 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by a Computer and Information Research Scientist in this region holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
0.116
Per 1K Jobs
0.46
Location Quotient
At 0.46x, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has a notably lower concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.46 for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington indicates that the concentration of these professionals is less than half of the national average. This suggests that while the field is present, it is not a dominant industry hub, potentially offering unique opportunities for those seeking specialized roles without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $174,620↑ 41% | 28 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $123,720. This typically ranges from $82,620 for entry-level positions to $165,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 26.3% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $123,720 is substantial, it falls significantly short of the national average of $167,850. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($174,620) and others.
How does the local workforce size affect salary?
A workforce of 330 suggests a moderately sized local talent pool. Smaller workforces can sometimes lead to higher salaries due to specialized demand, but in this case, the salary is below the national average, indicating other factors are more influential.
What is the significance of 0.116 jobs per 1,000 workers?
This metric indicates that for every 1,000 workers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area, approximately 0.116 are Computer and Information Research Scientists. This is a low number, suggesting a niche role within the broader economy.
Does a Location Quotient below 1.0 mean fewer opportunities?
A Location Quotient of 0.46 signifies that the region has less than half the concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists compared to the national average. This doesn't necessarily mean fewer opportunities, but rather that the field is less dominant locally.
How does the cost of living impact the $123,720 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $123,720 salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. This means the lower nominal salary is offset by average living expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 0.116 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD