AI and Computer Scientist

Most computer and information research scientists work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.

Some of the things a computer or information research scientist might do:

• Explore fundamental issues in computing and develop theories and models to address those issues
• Help scientists and engineers solve complex computing problems
• Invent new computing languages, tools, and methods to improve the way in which people work with computers
• Develop and improve the software systems that form the basis of the modern computing experience
• Design experiments to test the operation of these software systems
• Analyze the results of their experiments
• Publish their findings in academic journals and present their findings at conferences

Watch this video to learn about what our computer and information research scientist role models do in their careers:

• Analytical skills: Computer and information research scientists must be organized in their thinking and analyze the results of their research to formulate conclusions.
• Communication skills: Computer and information research scientists must communicate well with programmers and managers and be able to clearly explain their conclusions to people with no technical background. They often present their research at conferences.
• Critical-thinking skills: Computer and information research scientists work on many complex problems.
• Detail oriented: Computer and information research scientists must pay close attention to their work because a small programming error can cause an entire project to fail.
• Ingenuity: Computer and information research scientists must continually come up with innovative ways to solve problems, particularly when their ideas do not initially work as intended.
• Logical thinking: Computer algorithms rely on logic. Computer and information research scientists must have a talent for reasoning.
• Math skills: Computer and information research scientists must have knowledge of advanced math and other technical topics that are critical in computing.

Watch this video to learn more from our computer and information research scientist role models:

The average pay for computer and information research scientists, including artificial intelligence specialists, in the United States was $145,080 in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The specific pay depends on factors such as level of experience, education and training, geographic location, and specific industry.

About 3,400 new job openings for computer and information research scientists, including artificial intelligence specialists, are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years in the United States.

Overall employment of computer and information research scientists, including artificial intelligence specialists, is projected to grow 23 percent from 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

The research and development work of computer and information research scientists turns ideas into technology. As demand for new and better technology grows, demand for computer scientists will grow as well.

A growing emphasis on cybersecurity also should lead to new jobs because computer and information research scientists will be needed to find innovative ways to prevent potential cyberattacks.

Most computer and information research scientists, including artificial intelligence specialists, need a master’s degree in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering, artificial intelligence, or robotics. A master’s degree usually requires 2 to 3 years of study after earning a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or information systems.

Discover some of the courses you will take pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Information Systems.

Watch this video to learn more from our computer and information research scientist role models: