Computer and Information Research Scientists in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area earn an average annual salary of $128,570. This figure is notably below the national average of $167,850, suggesting that while the demand is high, compensation may be influenced by regional economic factors or a different competitive landscape compared to other major tech hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $128,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $186,780.
- Outlook: The San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad metropolitan area hosts a significant concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists, with a total local workforce of 1,570 individuals. The Location Quotient of 4.09 indicates a substantial presence of these professionals relative to the national average, pointing towards a robust and established market for this specialized field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earns-23.4%below the national average.
$61.8
$2,473
$10,714
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the technology sector. Increased demand for advanced research and development in computing, coupled with inflation, typically drives upward salary adjustments for skilled professionals in this domain.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
The salary trajectory for Computer and Information Research Scientists typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and contribute to complex projects, their earning potential increases substantially, reaching higher percentiles for senior and lead researcher roles. These percentile gaps are clear indicators of career progression and the value placed on seasoned expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $75,350 | $36.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $96,428 | $46.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $124,790 | $60 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $160,713 | $77.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $186,780 | $89.8 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$128,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$128,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $128,570 in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer and Information Research Scientist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,570
Total Jobs
1.021
Per 1K Jobs
4.09
Location Quotient
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has 4.1x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 4.09, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad area demonstrates a highly concentrated market for Computer and Information Research Scientists, significantly exceeding the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong demand for these specialized skills, potentially indicating a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a favorable market for experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $129,440↑ 1% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $128,570. This typically ranges from $75,350 for entry-level positions to $186,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 23.4% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, with a caveat regarding national averages.While the average salary of $128,570 is below the national average, the strong concentration of 1,570 professionals and a Location Quotient of 4.09 indicate a robust and in-demand market. The cost of living being at the national average further supports its lucrativeness relative to expenses.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($129,440) and others.
How does the local workforce size impact the job market for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Diego?
A local workforce of 1,570 Computer and Information Research Scientists suggests a substantial and established presence of these professionals, indicating a mature market with ongoing opportunities and a solid foundation for specialized roles.
What does a Location Quotient of 4.09 mean for this profession in San Diego?
A Location Quotient of 4.09 signifies that Computer and Information Research Scientists are over four times more concentrated in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad area than the national average, highlighting a significant regional demand and specialization.
How does the cost of living in San Diego compare to the national average for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The cost of living index is exactly 100, matching the national average. This means the $128,570 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a balanced financial proposition.
Are there many job openings for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Diego?
While the exact number of openings isn't provided, the high Location Quotient and substantial local workforce suggest a dynamic job market with consistent demand for these specialized skills.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,570 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 1.021 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Computer and Information Research Scientists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- All Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Browse All Jobs in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer and Information Research Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA