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Alamo Colleges DistrictCareer Explorer

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Part of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, in the Science and Mathematics pathway.

Bright outlookJob zone 5: extensive preparationO*NET 15-1221.00

What the work is

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

On a typical day

  • Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
  • Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
  • Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
  • Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
  • Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
  • Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.

What it pays

$94,220
Median pay per year, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX metro
New workers start near $63,550
Experienced workers reach $170,850
  1. $64k10th
  2. $83k25th
  3. $94kMedian
  4. $136k75th
  5. $171k90th
Wage percentiles: 10th $63,550, 25th $82,500, Median $94,220, 75th $135,800, 90th $170,850

Job outlook

U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.

+20%

U.S. employment change

3,200

openings a year nationwide, from growth and people leaving

40,300

employed nationwide in 2024

Typical entry education: Master's degree

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

  1. Judgment and Decision Making4.6
  2. Complex Problem Solving4.4
  3. Critical Thinking4.3
  4. Reading Comprehension4.5
  5. Systems Analysis4.4
  6. Active Listening4.1
  7. Systems Evaluation4.9
  8. Programming4.5

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

  1. Some college8%
  2. Bachelor's degree36%
  3. Master's degree20%
  4. Doctoral or professional36%

Job zone 5, extensive preparation: A graduate or professional degree, usually after a bachelor's.

Alamo programs that lead here

  • Northeast Lakeview
  • Northwest Vista
  • St. Philip's
  • San Antonio
  1. Cloud Computing, A.A.S.

    Degree · Science & Technology

  2. Computer Science

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  3. Cloud Computing - Bachelor of Applied Technology

    Degree · Online option · Science & Technology

  4. Computer Science

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

  5. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

  6. Health Information Technology

    Degree · Online option · Health & Biosciences

  7. Computer Information Systems

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

  8. Computer Science

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  9. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

    Degree · Online option · Science & Technology

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