As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Senior Computer Scientist in the United States is $157,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.
However, a Senior Computer Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior Computer Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior Computer Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Senior Computer Scientist | $154,114 |
| Intermediate Level Senior Computer Scientist | $154,664 |
| Senior Level Senior Computer Scientist | $154,884 |
| Specialist Level Senior Computer Scientist | $155,984 |
| Expert Level Senior Computer Scientist | $157,373 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Senior Computer Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior Computer Scientists enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Senior Computer Scientist with a Associate's Degree is between $157,561 and $165,084.
Senior Computer Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 15.4% |
| Associates | 10.8% |
| Bachelors | 49.2% |
| Masters | 23.1% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how a Senior Computer Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on November 01, 2025Salaries for a Senior Computer Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $151,757 in 2023 to around $147,992 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Senior Computer Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $151,757 |
| 2024 | $149,854 |
| 2025 | $147,992 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $157,820 | 64.8% |
| Bonus | $21,639 | 8.9% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $12,920 | 5.3% |
| 401K/403B | $7,576 | 3.1% |
| Disability | $3,607 | 1.5% |
| Healthcare | $8,234 | 3.4% |
| Pension | $9,740 | 4.0% |
| Time Off | $22,200 | 9.1% |
| Total Compensation | $243,735 | 100% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Senior Computer Scientist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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