SalaryByCity

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: 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

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

$62,970

Median annual salary

455,940 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $77,940 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 123.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$232,120

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer and Information Research ScientistsPlumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersDifference
10th Percentile$80,670$40,670+$40,000
25th Percentile$102,710$48,860+$53,850
Median (50th)$140,910$62,970+$77,940
75th Percentile$181,210$81,900+$99,310
90th Percentile$232,120$105,150+$126,970
Mean (Average)$152,310$69,940+$82,370

Employment Numbers

Computer and Information Research Scientists

38,480

employed nationwide

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

455,940

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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

CityMedian
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA$100,110
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI$98,890
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI$97,020
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$90,220
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$87,160

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $77,940 (123.8% 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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries range from $40,670 (10th percentile) to $105,150 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,970.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 455,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $62,970. 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