As of June 2026, Computer and Information Research Scientists has an AI-exposure score of 59/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
More exposed than 61% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$140,300. About 3,200 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Computer & Mathematical roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
- Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates.
- Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
- Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets.
- Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (80%).
Safer adjacent roles
Your AI-Safe Career Report
Every task scored with what to do about it · 5–10 safer roles with salary, demand & reachability · skill-gap map · a 30/60/90-day roadmap · plus a résumé & LinkedIn rewrite · PDF.
Grounded in O*NET + the Anthropic Economic Index + BLS — personalized to your role.
Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium — adapting pays. — PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026
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