Computer & Information Research Scientist Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad

Conducts research on fundamental computer and information science problems and develops new technology.

Ranks #293 of 530 metros·California·$128,565 avg

San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ranks #293 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer & information research scientist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $13,351 below the national average.

Level I
$75,982
vs national avg: -15%
Level II
$102,149
vs national avg: -10%
Level III
$128,294
vs national avg: -7%
Level IV
$154,461
vs national avg: -4%

San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad vs National Average

LevelThis MetroNational AvgDifference% Change
Level I (Entry)$75,982$89,333$-13,351-14.9%
Level II$102,149$113,349$-11,200-9.9%
Level III (Mid)$128,294$137,363$-9,069-6.6%
Level IV (Senior)$154,461$161,379$-6,918-4.3%

Other metros in California

Metro AreaLevel ILevel IVAverage
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$127,712$237,786$201,469
Merced$127,088$237,598$201,115
Fresno$126,443$237,099$200,574
Salinas$125,986$236,766$200,200
Modesto$112,320$225,035$187,845

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average computer & information research scientist salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?

The average computer & information research scientist salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad is $128,565 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad at rank #293 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.

What do entry-level computer & information research scientists earn in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?

Entry-level computer & information research scientists (Level I) in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad earn $75,982 per year. Level II (early career) earns $102,149, reflecting growing independence and experience.

How does San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad compare to the national average for computer & information research scientist salaries?

San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ranks #293 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer & information research scientist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $13,351 below the national average. The national average computer & information research scientist salary is $137,605, while San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad workers average $128,565 — a difference of -7% overall.

Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-1221.