SalaryByCity

Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Network and Computer Systems Administrators: 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

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

$96,800

Median annual salary

318,570 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $44,110 more per year than Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals — that's 45.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $150,320 for Network and Computer Systems Administrators.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$60,320 – $150,320
$60,320$232,120

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer and Information Research ScientistsNetwork and Computer Systems AdministratorsDifference
10th Percentile$80,670$60,320+$20,350
25th Percentile$102,710$75,860+$26,850
Median (50th)$140,910$96,800+$44,110
75th Percentile$181,210$123,390+$57,820
90th Percentile$232,120$150,320+$81,800
Mean (Average)$152,310$101,190+$51,120

Employment Numbers

Computer and Information Research Scientists

38,480

employed nationwide

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

318,570

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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$128,620
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$127,030
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$124,050
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD$119,150
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$113,030

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $44,110 (45.6% 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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salaries range from $60,320 (10th percentile) to $150,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $96,800.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Network and Computer Systems Administrators jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 318,570 Network and Computer Systems Administrators positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Network and Computer Systems Administrators 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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators earns $96,800. 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