US
Bakersfield, CA
California salary market
$128K
Avg / Year
-9% vs U.S.
vs National
480
Employment
$10.7K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Bakersfield, CA (2026)

The Computer and Information Research Scientist salary in Bakersfield, CA for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Bakersfield, CA market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets.

Official BLS baseline: 2024Bakersfield, CA city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$128K
per year
Entry Level
$90.2K
starting range
Senior Level
$159K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$131K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$10.7K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$58
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary Overview in Bakersfield, CA

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Computer and Information Research Scientist pay in Bakersfield, CA at about $128,255 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $84,780.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $156,310.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Delano.

If you’re comparing Computer and Information Research Scientist salaries in Bakersfield, CA, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Bakersfield, CA vs. U.S. National Average

Bakersfield, CA pays -9% vs u.s. for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$141K
all U.S. markets combined
-9%
Bakersfield, CA Premium
Bakersfield, CA City Average
$128K
Computer and Information Research Scientist
MarketProjected Salaryvs Bakersfield, CAMarket Maturity
Bakersfield, CA (this guide)$128,255BaselineLocal market
United States$140,910+10% vs U.S.National baseline
San Jose, CA$191,880+50% vs U.S.Comparable city
San Francisco, CA$168,820+32% vs U.S.Comparable city
Sacramento, CA$161,850+26% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Bakersfield, CA pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Bakersfield, CA

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Bakersfield, CA, this breakdown shows how aComputer and Information Research Scientist can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$98.1K
$62/hr median equivalent
$90.2K - $128K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$128K
$62/hr median equivalent
$98.1K - $159K
Senior
6-10 years
$159K
$62/hr median equivalent
$128K - $166K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$166K
$62/hr median equivalent
$159K - $203K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Computer and Information Research Scientist0-2 years$98,090.0$90,206.0 - $128,255-30% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Computer and Information Research Scientist3-5 years$128,255$98,090.0 - $158,568-9% vs U.S.
Senior Computer and Information Research Scientist6-10 years$158,568$128,255 - $166,314+13% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Computer and Information Research Scientist10+ years$166,314$158,568 - $202,903+18% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Bakersfield, CA

Nearby metro areas help show how Computer and Information Research Scientist pay changes around Bakersfield, CA. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Bakersfield, CA
$128K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Delano.
This guide
#2
San Jose, CA
$192K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Computer and Information Research Scientist salaries around Bakersfield, CA.
+50% vs U.S.
#3
San Francisco, CA
$169K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Computer and Information Research Scientist salaries around Bakersfield, CA.
+32% vs U.S.
#4
Sacramento, CA
$162K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Computer and Information Research Scientist salaries around Bakersfield, CA.
+26% vs U.S.
#5
Los Angeles, CA
$149K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Computer and Information Research Scientist salaries around Bakersfield, CA.
+16% vs U.S.

Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Industry in Bakersfield, CA

Industry premiums in Bakersfield, CA usually come from employers that place the Computer and Information Research Scientist role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Information$219,620$136,340 - N/AStronger salary
Wholesale Trade$174,900$108,010 - N/AStronger salary
Manufacturing$172,590$110,930 - N/AStronger salary
Management of Companies and Enterprises$160,820$106,290 - $202,370Competitive
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$140,910$80,770.0 - $227,100Competitive
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services$138,590$80,800.0 - $231,440Competitive
Utilities$136,750$106,100 - $166,760Competitive
Finance and Insurance$136,420$78,470.0 - $217,660Competitive

Entry-Level Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Bakersfield, CA

Entry-level Computer and Information Research Scientist jobs in Bakersfield, CA are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Computer and Information Research Scientist salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles in Bakersfield, CA is about $98,090.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed. Typical education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). Training signal: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Remote vs Onsite Computer and Information Research Scientist Pay in Bakersfield, CA

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Computer and Information Research Scientist candidates in Bakersfield, CA. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$128,255
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$130,820
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$125,690Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$130,820Metro dependentBakersfield, CA employersMedium
Onsite$128,255Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Bakersfield, CA

A salary in Bakersfield, CA should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$1.7K
$2.4K
$3.0K
Transport / commute
$374.1
$427.5
$481.0
Food and groceries
$801.6
$855.0
$961.9
Utilities and internet
$374.1
$427.5
$481.0
Estimated remainder
$3.6K
$5.6K
$6.8K
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Top Employers Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientists in Bakersfield, CA

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Computer and Information Research Scientist pay tends to be strongest in Bakersfield, CA, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Information employers
$220K
Industry benchmark for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Wholesale Trade employers
$175K
Industry benchmark for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Manufacturing employers
$173K
Industry benchmark for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Management of Companies and Enterprises employers
$161K
Industry benchmark for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employers
$141K
Industry benchmark for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services employers
$139K
Industry benchmark for Computer and Information Research Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Bakersfield, CA Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherBakersfield, CA is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Computer and Information Research Scientist work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Bakersfield, CA
This guide
$128K
Baseline
San Jose, CA
Nearby U.S. market
$192K
+50% vs U.S.
San Francisco, CA
Nearby U.S. market
$169K
+32% vs U.S.
Sacramento, CA
Nearby U.S. market
$162K
+26% vs U.S.
Los Angeles, CA
Nearby U.S. market
$149K
+16% vs U.S.
San Diego, CA
Nearby U.S. market
$125K
-3% vs U.S.
Riverside, CA
Nearby U.S. market
$124K
-3% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Bakersfield, CA

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$81.7K - $110K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$102K - $134K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$127K - $158K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$152K - $197K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$180K - $228K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$211K - $289K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by 19.7% from 2024 to 2034.
Much faster than averageAnnual openings: 3.2 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment40.3k → 48.3k
Typical educationMost of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Related experienceExtensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Local market anchor480 jobs with a median of $128,255

Factors Affecting Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Bakersfield, CA

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Bakersfield, CA

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Bakersfield, CA: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Computer and Information Research Scientist" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Computer & Information Research Scientists salary?
The latest national baseline for Computer & Information Research Scientists is about $140,900 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Computer & Information Research Scientists salary?
Entry-level estimates for Computer & Information Research Scientists are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $80,700 per year nationally.
How much can senior Computer & Information Research Scientists professionals earn?
Senior Computer & Information Research Scientists estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $181,200 per year nationally.
Does location affect Computer & Information Research Scientists salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Computer & Information Research Scientists salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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