A master’s degree best serves aspiring computer information researchers. Individuals with graduate degrees in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline develop the hard skills necessary for the role.
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Computer information researchers study and solve problems in computing. They assess data, develop new techniques, and improve existing computer systems used in industries such as business, science, and medicine. Computer information researchers may specialize in robotics, data science, or programming, working closely with computer engineers and programming professionals.
As individuals who bridge the gap between computing and how humans employ technology, computer information researchers focus on efficiency and accessibility. Technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills give computer information researchers opportunities to work as managers and leaders in the field. Industry-specific credentials further enhance their career growth and earning potential, as well.
Computer information researchers work at the forefront of computing technology and human-computer interactions. They study and analyze problems in organizations, using computing technology to provide efficient solutions. These professionals may evaluate the effectiveness of existing computing technologies and work to improve them. Their daily tasks include testing software system operations or user needs, analyzing the results, and presenting those results to stakeholders or at academic conferences.
As technology develops, demand for computer information researchers and similar occupations will increase. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects jobs in computer information research to grow by 16% between 2018 and 2028 — much faster than the national average growth rate for all occupations.
By studying computer and information technology, learners build hard skills and gain foundational knowledge to engineer hardware, develop software, and solve complex computing problems. Quantifiable hard skills for computer science professionals include advanced mathematics, computational theory application, and proficiency in programming languages like Java.
Soft skills factor heavily into professional and personal relationships. Associated with personality, attitudes, and motivation, soft skills demonstrate the ability to work with others, manage resources and time, and practice leadership. Soft skills for computer information research professionals include patience, problem-solving, and communication.
Computer information researchers assess computer technologies to find innovative uses and applications. They also explore existing technologies to make them more efficient and effective, improving overall user experience in the process.
These researchers work with computer engineers, software developers, and comparable computer-related professionals to solve complex problems. They may develop new tools and methods for computer use, design experiments to test systems capabilities, and report their findings to employers and academic colleagues alike.
Computer information researchers focusing on data science develop algorithms to detect and build patterns, while robotics-oriented researchers work to improve machine performance in the physical world. Other computer information researchers may write new programming languages to address software writing challenges.
A master’s degree best serves aspiring computer information researchers. Individuals with graduate degrees in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline develop the hard skills necessary for the role.
Most master’s degrees comprise two years of coursework. Online programs may follow accelerated formats, which learners can complete in as little as 12 months, while part-time students can earn their degrees in 3-5 years.
Entry-level computer information researchers work alongside fellow researchers to address problems and issues related to computer technologies. In academic settings, they perform experiments and publish their findings. In industry, they work with engineers and scientists to implement change.
The federal government and computer systems design firms employ the most computer information researchers. The scientific research and development services industry features the highest concentration of information research professionals, while navigational and measuring control instrument manufacturing offers the profession’s highest salaries.
The state with the most computer information researchers, California, ranks No. 5 among states with the field’s top salaries. Computer information researchers in Washington earned the highest annual mean wage as of 2018, bringing home over $143,000 annually.
Salary varies by location, with metropolitan areas offering the highest wages for information researchers. The San Jose, CA, metropolitan area led the way in wages in 2018, with annual mean salaries approaching $168,000. In top-paying nonmetropolitan areas like northeast Virginia, information researchers earned just under $112,000 annually.
According to PayScale, computer information research scientists with more than five years in the profession greatly boost their earning potential. Entry-level researchers earned $102,000 annually, while their counterparts with 5-9 years of experience took home roughly $112,000. With 10-19 years in the field, information researchers earned a median annual salary exceeding $148,000.
Entry Level (0-12 Months) | $99,686 |
Early Career (1-4 Years) | $102,860 |
Mid-Career (5-9 Years) | $111,182 |
Experienced (10-19 Years) | $148,158 |
Source: PayScale
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No degrees focus specifically on computer information research, so most computer and information research scientists obtain credentials in related fields like computer science, computer/software engineering, or information systems. Researcher roles typically require candidates to hold advanced degrees.
According to the BLS, most computer information researcher positions require at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field, though some positions with the federal government require only a bachelor’s degree. An advanced degree qualifies candidates for more job opportunities and higher potential salaries. Students can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in subjects related to computer information research, like computer science and computer engineering, online.
Prospective computer information research scientists who need flexibility to balance their studies with other obligations should consider pursuing their degrees online.
Computer information researchers gain valuable experience while earning graduate degrees in computer-related disciplines. Students aspiring to work in biomedical information research take coursework in biology, chemistry, or a comparable science, plus technology courses. Researchers pursuing positions with the federal government benefit from studying public administration, law, or political science.
Employers prefer candidates with experience researching subjects that apply directly to organizational goals. Publications in the field also provide computer information researchers with a solid foundation to demonstrate their expertise in an aspect of the field.
Information researchers with 5-10 years of experience can advance into mid-level roles, potentially becoming computer and information systems managers. Systems managers oversee their organizations’ computer-related activities.
A graduate degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline sets the groundwork for careers in computer information research. Additional credentials build on that knowledge, even supplementing potential gaps.
Not all positions require information researchers to hold credentials beyond a degree, but earning a certificate demonstrates dedication to the field, keeps professionals current, and enhances one’s resume.
Information researchers who want a stronger background in programming languages may benefit from a certificate in Java or C++, while researchers focusing on data protection might pursue industry credentials in information systems security.
Career opportunities for information research professionals vary by industry and location. The federal government employs the most computer information research professionals, facilitating high levels of employment in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
Top-paying industries include navigational and measuring instrument manufacturing, aerospace products and parts manufacturing, and telecommunications. With coursework or a degree in engineering or supply chain management, information researchers increase their job opportunities in these sectors. A master’s degree also provides avenues for information researchers to advance into leadership positions in companies across industries.
Computer information researchers have knowledge and skills applicable to careers in government, business, and information technology. With high levels of employment in the federal government, Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. area boast high concentrations of information research professionals. Prolific computer and information technology activities in California also bode well for information researchers.
California employs the largest number of computer information research scientists, topping 7,000 in 2018. The largest concentrations of information research professionals reside on the East Coast, but Washington offers the highest salaries for the field. Computer information research scientists earned an annual mean wage exceeding $143,000 in Washington as of 2018.
Alabama, Idaho, and New Mexico also provide lucrative opportunities for information researchers. With salaries ranging from $136,000 to over $138,000, these three states greatly exceed the national annual mean wage of $123,850.
States With the Highest Employment Level of Computer Information Researchers (Applications) | Number of Computer Information Researchers (Applications) Employed |
---|---|
California | 7,300 |
Maryland | 2,900 |
Virginia | 2,740 |
Texas | 1,830 |
Washington | 1,480 |
Top Paying States for Computer Information Researchers | Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|
Washington | $143,080 |
Alabama | $138,510 |
Idaho | $137,180 |
New Mexico | $136,370 |
California | $136,310 |
The federal government employs over 8,000 computer information researchers, the most among domestic industries. Computer systems design services and scientific research and development rank No. 2 and 3 at 6,410 and 5,070, respectively.
Computer information researchers earn the highest salaries in manufacturing industries. Companies that make navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments offered annual mean wages exceeding $170,000 as of 2018. Aerospace products and parts manufacturing and computer equipment manufacturing ranked among the five highest-paying industries for the field, as well.
Industries With the Highest Level of Employment for Computer Information Researchers | Number of Computer Information Researchers (Applications) Employed |
---|---|
Federal Executive Branch | 8,040 |
Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 6,410 |
Scientific Research and Development Services | 5,070 |
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 1,890 |
Software Publishing | 1,560 |
By participating in continuing education programs, information researchers gain new skills, remain current in the field, and build their professional portfolios. Professional organizations like the International Web Association offers continuing education coursework, plus certificates and diplomas through colleges and universities around the nation.
Some employers may encourage computer information researchers to earn credentials through educational organizations and online platforms like Udacity and Bloc. Udacity offers free courses, university credit classes, and nanodegrees, while Bloc links students with mentors in areas such as web development and software design.
Job fairs, college and university career service offices, and industry events give computer information researchers opportunities to network and find positions in their field. Online communities formed through professional organizations also extend career options, building connections among like-minded information research professionals.
Websites such as LinkedIn provide extensive job listings with career guidance, salary data, and employer information. With online repositories to post resumes, accomplishments, and professional skills, these sites provide resources for job-seekers to find positions and recruiters to find candidates.
Professional organizations bring together computer scholars and practitioners to collaborate, network, and advance their knowledge. Many associations and organizations offer professional development opportunities, continuing education programs, scholarships and grants, and online membership databases. Additional resources include career information, job listings, and publication materials.
Annual conferences, discussion forums, and listservs facilitate conversations among information researchers. By building online and face-to-face communities, professional organizations allow computer information researchers to exchange ideas and promote innovation in the field.
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