Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Computer Programmers: AI exposure, pay and openings

AI use is higher in computer programmers work: 75% of tasks (high) against 34% for computer and information research scientists (high). Computer and Information Research Scientists has the higher median pay, $140,300 a year against $100,390, a gap of $39,910.

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet.

Side by side

MeasureComputer and Information Research ScientistsComputer Programmers
Tasks that already see AI use34% (High)75% (High)
Median pay a year$140,300$100,390

Exposure: Anthropic Economic Index, March 2026. Pay, growth and openings: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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