Carpenters vs Computer and Information Research Scientists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $81,600 more per year than Carpenters professionals — that's 137.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Carpenters earns $98,370 compared to $232,120 for Computer and Information Research Scientists.
Salary Range Comparison
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
$38,760$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Carpenters | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,760 | $80,670 | $-41,910 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,550 | $102,710 | $-55,160 |
| Median (50th) | $59,310 | $140,910 | $-81,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,620 | $181,210 | $-105,590 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,370 | $232,120 | $-133,750 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,040 | $152,310 | $-88,270 |
Employment Numbers
Carpenters
697,740
employed nationwide
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Carpenters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $80,950 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $78,090 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $77,100 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $76,760 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $76,510 |
Best Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $232,120 |
| Richmond, VA | $231,930 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $191,880 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $169,510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $168,820 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Carpenters or Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $81,600 (137.6% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Carpenters?
Carpenters salaries range from $38,760 (10th percentile) to $98,370 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,310.
What is the salary range for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists salaries range from $80,670 (10th percentile) to $232,120 (90th percentile), with a median of $140,910.
How many Carpenters and Computer and Information Research Scientists jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,740 Carpenters positions and 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer and Information Research Scientists to Carpenters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Carpenters has a median salary of $59,310 while Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $140,910. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS