Childcare Workers 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 $108,860 more per year than Childcare Workers professionals — that's 339.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Childcare Workers earns $44,560 compared to $232,120 for Computer and Information Research Scientists.
Salary Range Comparison
Childcare Workers$22,900 – $44,560
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
$22,900$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Childcare Workers | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,900 | $80,670 | $-57,770 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $102,710 | $-74,710 |
| Median (50th) | $32,050 | $140,910 | $-108,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,960 | $181,210 | $-144,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $44,560 | $232,120 | $-187,560 |
| Mean (Average) | $33,140 | $152,310 | $-119,170 |
Employment Numbers
Childcare Workers
520,180
employed nationwide
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $44,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,640 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $40,180 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $38,720 |
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: Childcare Workers or Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $108,860 (339.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers?
Childcare Workers salaries range from $22,900 (10th percentile) to $44,560 (90th percentile), with a median of $32,050.
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 Childcare Workers and Computer and Information Research Scientists jobs are there?
There are approximately 520,180 Childcare Workers 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 Childcare Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Childcare Workers has a median salary of $32,050 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