Career Overview
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Also Known As
- Computer Scientist
- Computer Specialist
- Control System Computer Scientist
- Research Scientist
Alternate Job Titles
- AI Engineer (Artificial Intelligence Engineer)
- Applied Scientist
- Artificial Intelligence Specialist (AI Specialist)
- Computational Linguist
- Computational Scientist
- Computational Theory Scientist
- Computer Scientist
- Computer Specialist
- Computer Vision Scientist
- Control System Computer Scientist
- Cryptologist
- Cybersecurity Research Scientist (Cyber Research Scientist)
- Digital Solutions Manager
- Information Scientist
- Languages Researcher
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Systems Analysis
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Fluency of Ideas
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Information Ordering
- Category Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Independence
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
- Amazon Redshift
- Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
- Apache Airflow
- Apache Cassandra
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Hive
Tools & Equipment
- Articulated robots
- Cluster systems
- Computer laser printers
- Computer scanners
- Digital cameras
- Digital video cameras
- Distributed heterogeneous computers
- File servers
- Free-field speakers
- Graphics workstations
- Hard disk drives
- High end computer servers
- High-performance cluster HPC computers
- High-speed networking testbeds
- Image capture devices
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Sitting
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $80,670 |
| Median | $140,910 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $232,120 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 38,480
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Data Scientists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $112,590
Mathematicians
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $121,680
Software Developers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $133,080
Computer Programmers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $98,670
Operations Research Analysts
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $91,290
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.