Computer & Information Research Scientists vs Computer Network Architects
Median pay is about $6k higher for Computer & Information Research Scientists. The usual entry education is master's for Computer & Information Research Scientists and bachelor's for Computer Network Architects.
marks the higher pay or growth. Education, difficulty and the AI rows depend on what you want, so they are not marked.
| Measure | Computer & Information Research Scientists | Computer Network Architects |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | ||
| Median pay | $140,300, higher | $134,050 |
| Entry pay 25th percentile | $103,570 | $104,620, higher |
| Experienced pay 75th percentile | $188,700, higher | $168,200 |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | ||
| Projected growth | +22% Growing fast, higher | +7.7% Growing fast |
| Openings a year | 2,900 | 9,600 |
| Getting in | ||
| Typical education | Master's | Bachelor's |
| Difficulty modeled | 3 / 5 | 2.6 / 5 |
| AI | ||
| Displacement risk modeled | Very high | High |
| AI exposure modeled, percentile | 96th pct | 85th pct |
Skills
Both lean on the same top skills: critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, active learning, writing.
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Pay and outlook: BLS (OEWS 2025, Employment Projections 2025-2035). Skills: O*NET 30.3. Difficulty, displacement risk and AI exposure are modeled estimates. How these numbers are made.