Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Industrial Engineers: 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 $39,770 more per year than Industrial Engineers professionals — that's 39.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $157,140 for Industrial Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Industrial Engineers$70,000 – $157,140
$70,000$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Industrial Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $70,000 | +$10,670 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $81,910 | +$20,800 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $101,140 | +$39,770 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $127,480 | +$53,730 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | $157,140 | +$74,980 |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $107,900 | +$44,410 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Industrial Engineers
350,230
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Industrial Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $139,130 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $136,290 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $133,790 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $126,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $126,310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Industrial Engineers?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $39,770 (39.3% 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 Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers salaries range from $70,000 (10th percentile) to $157,140 (90th percentile), with a median of $101,140.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Industrial Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 350,230 Industrial Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Industrial Engineers 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 Industrial Engineers earns $101,140. 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