Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $164,380. This figure is slightly below the national average of $167,850, but the unique concentration of government agencies, defense contractors, and research institutions in this region often drives competitive compensation for highly specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $164,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $246,570.
- Outlook: The job market for Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 3,150 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.05 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing to strong and sustained demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns-2.1%below the national average.
$79
$3,161
$13,698
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally consistent with the increasing demand for advanced technological expertise and the ongoing innovation within the research and development sectors prevalent in this metropolitan region.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The salary landscape for Computer and Information Research Scientists typically shows a significant upward trajectory with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive research and development backgrounds can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and proven track records in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $100,670 | $48.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $123,285 | $59.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $156,360 | $75.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $205,475 | $98.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $246,570 | $118.5 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$164,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$164,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a nominal average salary of $164,380 and a Cost of Living Index precisely at the national average of 100, the purchasing power for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is directly comparable to the national standard. This means that while the salary is substantial, the cost of goods and services remains on par with the rest of the country, offering a balanced financial environment.
Job Market Context
3,150
Total Jobs
1.011
Per 1K Jobs
4.05
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 4.0x 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.
The Location Quotient of 4.05 for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria signifies a highly concentrated job market, with employment in this field being over four times more prevalent than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers actively seek out talent with specific research and computational skills relevant to the region's key industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $147,800↓ 10% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $131,100↓ 20% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $164,380. This typically ranges from $100,670 for entry-level positions to $246,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 2.1% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place.The area boasts a high concentration of these roles with a strong workforce, indicating significant demand and competitive compensation that aligns with the national average cost of living.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($147,800) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $164,380, which is slightly below the national average of $167,850.
What is the concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists in this area?
The Location Quotient is 4.05, meaning the concentration of these professionals is more than four times the national average, indicating a high demand for this specialized field.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $164,380 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
With 1.011 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric further supports the significant presence and demand for Computer and Information Research Scientists within the local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,150 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.011 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV