SalaryByCity

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: 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

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

$51,000

Median annual salary

424,040 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $89,910 more per year than Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers professionals — that's 176.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $75,850 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$38,130 – $75,850
$38,130$232,120

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer and Information Research ScientistsWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and BrazersDifference
10th Percentile$80,670$38,130+$42,540
25th Percentile$102,710$45,580+$57,130
Median (50th)$140,910$51,000+$89,910
75th Percentile$181,210$61,610+$119,600
90th Percentile$232,120$75,850+$156,270
Mean (Average)$152,310$55,100+$97,210

Employment Numbers

Computer and Information Research Scientists

38,480

employed nationwide

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

424,040

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 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

CityMedian
Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT$69,120
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$67,560
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$64,510
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$63,890
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$62,800

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $89,910 (176.3% 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 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salaries range from $38,130 (10th percentile) to $75,850 (90th percentile), with a median of $51,000.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 424,040 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 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 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earns $51,000. 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