SalaryByCity

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: 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

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

$59,810

Median annual salary

396,870 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $81,100 more per year than Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers professionals — that's 135.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $91,020 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$39,130 – $91,020
$39,130$232,120

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer and Information Research ScientistsHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and InstallersDifference
10th Percentile$80,670$39,130+$41,540
25th Percentile$102,710$47,850+$54,860
Median (50th)$140,910$59,810+$81,100
75th Percentile$181,210$74,820+$106,390
90th Percentile$232,120$91,020+$141,100
Mean (Average)$152,310$62,690+$89,620

Employment Numbers

Computer and Information Research Scientists

38,480

employed nationwide

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

396,870

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 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$83,980
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH$77,600
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$76,760
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI$76,090
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$75,500

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $81,100 (135.6% 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 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers salaries range from $39,130 (10th percentile) to $91,020 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,810.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 396,870 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 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 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers earns $59,810. 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