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Cybersecurity - Computer and Information Research Scientists
  1. Cybersecurity - Computer and Information Research Scientists
  2. Cybersecurity - Information Security Analysts
  3. Machine Learning - Data Scientist
  4. Data Management / Analytics - Database Administrators
  5. Data Management / Analytics - Electrical Engineers
  6. Data Management / Analytics - Computer Systems Analysts
  7. Networking - Computer Network Architects
  8. Networking - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  9. Networking - Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  10. Software Development - Software Developers
  11. Software Development - Computer Hardware Engineers
  12. Software Development - Computer Occupations, All Other

Computer and Information Research Scientists

What They Do:

  • Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
  • 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.
  • Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
  • Design computers and the software that runs them.

Source: O*Net 2025

Sample Job Titles:

  1. Computer Scientists
  2. Big Data Analyst
  3. Machine Learning Scientist
  4. Research Engineer
  5. Computational Scientist

Source: O*Net 2025

Outlook in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 1,202
Projected Annual Growth 2.3%
Average Entry Level Salary $91,917
Median Salary $152,649

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer and Information Research Scientists (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
204
Current Workforce
1,202

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

  • Security Clearance

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • Python (Programming Language)
  • Machine Learning
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Generative Artificial Intelligence
  • Algorithms
  • Scalability
  • Software Engineering

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Outlook in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 3,395
Projected Annual Growth 1.7%
Average Entry Level Salary $89,643
Median Salary $159,060

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer and Information Research Scientists (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
669
Current Workforce
3,395

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

  • Security Clearance

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • Machine Learning
  • Computer Science
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science
  • Scalability
  • Generative Artificial Intelligence
  • Software Engineering
  • SQL (Programming Language)

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Outlook in the Richmond, VA MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 80
Projected Annual Growth 1.2%
Average Entry Level Salary $99,458
Median Salary $215,719

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer and Information Research Scientists (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
27
Current Workforce
80

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • Computer Science
  • Machine Learning
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Scalability
  • Software Engineering
  • Generative Artificial Intelligence

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Largest Employers in the Region:

  6. Amazon
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