Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Personal Financial Advisors: 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 $38,770 more per year than Personal Financial Advisors professionals — that's 38.0% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Personal Financial Advisors$49,990 – N/A
$49,990$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Personal Financial Advisors | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $49,990 | +$30,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $70,620 | +$32,090 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $102,140 | +$38,770 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $172,540 | +$8,670 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $160,210 | $-7,900 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Personal Financial Advisors
270,480
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 Personal Financial Advisors
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $168,350 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $157,510 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $128,400 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $126,690 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $126,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Personal Financial Advisors?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $38,770 (38.0% 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 Personal Financial Advisors?
Personal Financial Advisors salaries range from $49,990 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $102,140.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists and Personal Financial Advisors jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 270,480 Personal Financial Advisors positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Personal Financial Advisors 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 Personal Financial Advisors earns $102,140. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS