Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in San Diego, CA
2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary Overview
Computer and Information Research Scientists is a high-paying occupation in San Diego, CA, with a median annual salary of $124,790. Computer and Information Research Scientistss in San Diego, CA earn $16,120 less (11%) than the national median of $140,910. Experienced Computer and Information Research Scientistss can expect to roughly double their starting salary over their career.
Computer and Information Research Scientistss in San Diego, CA earn $16,120 less (11%) than the national median of $140,910.
About 1,570 Computer and Information Research Scientistss work in San Diego, CA, indicating a healthy local job market.
Cost of Living Consideration
When evaluating this salary, factor in San Diego, CA's cost of living. Housing, transportation, and taxes vary significantly between cities and can impact how far your paycheck goes.
Salary Distribution
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $75,350 | $6,279 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,620 | $6,968 |
| Median | $124,790 | $10,399 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,110 | $12,759 |
| 90th Percentile | $186,780 | $15,565 |
| Mean (Average) | $128,570 | $10,714 |
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Other Cities
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $167,300 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $166,080 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $163,100 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $161,850 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $160,550 |
Highest Paying Jobs in San Diego, CA
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $199,590 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $193,370 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $185,550 |
| Marketing Managers | $171,590 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $169,230 |
| Financial Managers | $168,300 |
| Managers, All Other | $167,000 |
| Lawyers | $165,000 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $162,030 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $160,640 |
Related Data Insights
The cost of living in San Diego, CA is 11.9% above the national average (index: 111.9). See full cost breakdown →
After adjusting for local cost of living, the purchasing power of San Diego, CA salaries is equivalent to $85,468 in an average-cost US city.
Explore More About This Area
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Planning Your Career Move?
Considering a move for this role? Compare cost of living in San Diego, CAto make an informed decision. Don't forget to factor in moving costs, renters insurance, and state income tax differences when evaluating your total compensation package.