SalaryByCity

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: 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

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

$57,440

Median annual salary

2,070,480 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $83,470 more per year than Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers professionals — that's 145.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $78,800 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$38,640 – $78,800
$38,640$232,120

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer and Information Research ScientistsHeavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck DriversDifference
10th Percentile$80,670$38,640+$42,030
25th Percentile$102,710$47,230+$55,480
Median (50th)$140,910$57,440+$83,470
75th Percentile$181,210$65,520+$115,690
90th Percentile$232,120$78,800+$153,320
Mean (Average)$152,310$58,400+$93,910

Employment Numbers

Computer and Information Research Scientists

38,480

employed nationwide

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

2,070,480

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 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

CityMedian
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$65,220

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $83,470 (145.3% 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 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $78,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $57,440.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 2,070,480 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers 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 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers earns $57,440. 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