Computer & Information Research Scientist Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

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

Ranks #3 of 530 metros·Washington·$214,552 avg

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ranks #3 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer & information research scientist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $52,481 above the national average.

Level I
$141,814
vs national avg: +59%
Level II
$178,006
vs national avg: +57%
Level III
$214,178
vs national avg: +56%
Level IV
$250,370
vs national avg: +55%

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue vs National Average

LevelThis MetroNational AvgDifference% Change
Level I (Entry)$141,814$89,333+$52,481+58.7%
Level II$178,006$113,349+$64,657+57.0%
Level III (Mid)$214,178$137,363+$76,815+55.9%
Level IV (Senior)$250,370$161,379+$88,991+55.1%

Other metros in Washington

Metro AreaLevel ILevel IVAverage
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater$141,274$249,995$214,115
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee$139,610$249,787$213,429
Mount Vernon-Anacortes$139,194$249,413$213,034
Yakima$134,056$248,102$210,454
Eastern Washington$133,349$247,624$209,914

Want to reach Level III or IV?

Follow the step-by-step roadmap to build the skills employers pay for.

View roadmap →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average computer & information research scientist salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?

The average computer & information research scientist salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $214,552 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue at rank #3 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.

What do entry-level computer & information research scientists earn in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?

Entry-level computer & information research scientists (Level I) in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn $141,814 per year. Level II (early career) earns $178,006, reflecting growing independence and experience.

How does Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue compare to the national average for computer & information research scientist salaries?

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ranks #3 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer & information research scientist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $52,481 above the national average. The national average computer & information research scientist salary is $137,605, while Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue workers average $214,552 — a difference of +56% 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.