Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $171,880 +22% vs national
Median hourly $82.63
10th percentile $89,190
90th percentile $255,150
Employed locally 70
National median $140,910

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Computer and Information Research Scientists
in
Santa Maria, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $89,190
    25th
    $131,810
    50th (median)
    $171,880
    75th
    $198,950
    90th
    $255,150

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Computer and Information Research Scientists salary vs area income 179% Median Computer and Information Research Scientists salary is 79% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Computer and Information Research Scientists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $232,120
    Richmond, VA $231,930
    Washington $221,990
    Rochester, NY $204,340
    New York $197,390
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $191,880

    Nearby metros — Computer and Information Research Scientists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $191,880
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $168,820
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $167,300
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $161,850
    California $156,290
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $149,070

    Related occupations in Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Software Developers $163,020
    Computer User Support Specialists $78,260
    Computer Occupations, All Other $125,090
    Computer Systems Analysts $124,090
    Network and Computer Systems Administrators $105,820
    Web and Digital Interface Designers $100,130

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists make per hour in Santa Maria?

    The median hourly wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Santa Maria, CA is $82.63, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $122.67 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Maria above or below average for Computer and Information Research Scientists salaries?

    The median Computer and Information Research Scientists salary in Santa Maria, CA is 22% above the national median of $140,910. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Santa Maria?

    Entry-level Computer and Information Research Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $89,190 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $131,810.