Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Registered Nurses: 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 $47,310 more per year than Registered Nurses professionals — that's 50.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $135,320 for Registered Nurses.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Registered Nurses$66,030 – $135,320
$66,030$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Registered Nurses | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $66,030 | +$14,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $78,610 | +$24,100 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $93,600 | +$47,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $107,960 | +$73,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | $135,320 | +$96,800 |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $98,430 | +$53,880 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Registered Nurses
3,282,010
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 Registered Nurses
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $188,020 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $169,210 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $133,440 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Registered Nurses?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $47,310 (50.5% 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 Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses salaries range from $66,030 (10th percentile) to $135,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $93,600.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Registered Nurses jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 3,282,010 Registered Nurses positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Registered Nurses 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 Registered Nurses earns $93,600. 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