Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Insurance Underwriters: 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 $61,030 more per year than Insurance Underwriters professionals — that's 76.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $138,020 for Insurance Underwriters.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Insurance Underwriters$51,640 – $138,020
$51,640$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Insurance Underwriters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $51,640 | +$29,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $63,070 | +$39,640 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $79,880 | +$61,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $104,820 | +$76,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | $138,020 | +$94,100 |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $90,830 | +$61,480 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Insurance Underwriters
107,820
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 Insurance Underwriters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $106,380 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $103,270 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $98,860 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $98,500 |
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $98,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Insurance Underwriters?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $61,030 (76.4% 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 Insurance Underwriters?
Insurance Underwriters salaries range from $51,640 (10th percentile) to $138,020 (90th percentile), with a median of $79,880.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Insurance Underwriters jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 107,820 Insurance Underwriters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Insurance Underwriters 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 Insurance Underwriters earns $79,880. 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