SalaryByCity

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Network Support Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

$140,910

Median annual salary

38,480 employed nationally

Computer Network Support Specialists

$73,340

Median annual salary

146,450 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $67,570 more per year than Computer Network Support Specialists professionals — that's 92.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $124,470 for Computer Network Support Specialists.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Computer Network Support Specialists$46,010 – $124,470
$46,010$232,120

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer and Information Research ScientistsComputer Network Support SpecialistsDifference
10th Percentile$80,670$46,010+$34,660
25th Percentile$102,710$56,720+$45,990
Median (50th)$140,910$73,340+$67,570
75th Percentile$181,210$95,710+$85,500
90th Percentile$232,120$124,470+$107,650
Mean (Average)$152,310$79,610+$72,700

Employment Numbers

Computer and Information Research Scientists

38,480

employed nationwide

Computer Network Support Specialists

146,450

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists

CityMedian
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

Best Cities for Computer Network Support Specialists

CityMedian
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD$104,130
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$98,670
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$98,490
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$97,200
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$88,980

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Computer Network Support Specialists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $67,570 (92.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Support Specialists?
Computer Network Support Specialists salaries range from $46,010 (10th percentile) to $124,470 (90th percentile), with a median of $73,340.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Computer Network Support Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 146,450 Computer Network Support Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Network Support Specialists to Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer and Information Research Scientists has a median salary of $140,910 while Computer Network Support Specialists earns $73,340. 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