Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $79,900 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 131.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $39,710 | +$40,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $48,190 | +$54,520 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $61,010 | +$79,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $78,280 | +$102,930 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | $98,990 | +$133,130 |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $66,510 | +$85,800 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| 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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $84,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,550 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $79,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $79,900 (131.0% 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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,010.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 367,220 Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Paralegals and Legal Assistants 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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. 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