SalaryByCity

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: 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

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$102,610

Median annual salary

199,800 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $38,300 more per year than Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals — that's 37.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $166,960 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$60,690 – $166,960
$60,690$232,120

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer and Information Research ScientistsSoftware Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersDifference
10th Percentile$80,670$60,690+$19,980
25th Percentile$102,710$79,520+$23,190
Median (50th)$140,910$102,610+$38,300
75th Percentile$181,210$131,870+$49,340
90th Percentile$232,120$166,960+$65,160
Mean (Average)$152,310$110,260+$42,050

Employment Numbers

Computer and Information Research Scientists

38,480

employed nationwide

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

199,800

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 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$165,700
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$139,580
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$131,640
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD$127,940
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$126,430

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $38,300 (37.3% 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 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salaries range from $60,690 (10th percentile) to $166,960 (90th percentile), with a median of $102,610.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 199,800 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 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 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earns $102,610. 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