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Job outlook for research computing specialists in the United States
Are research computing specialist jobs in demand?
Research computing specialist job and salary trends over time
Research computing specialist jobs over time
Research computing specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 223 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 211 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 207 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 195 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 182 | 0.00% |
Average research computing specialist salary over time
Research computing specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $67,967 | $32.68 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $65,880 | $31.67 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $65,188 | $31.34 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $65,302 | $31.40 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $64,610 | $31.06 | +0.7% |
Research computing specialist jobs by state
Most common states for research computing specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 190 | 27% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 167 | 27% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 236 | 22% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 285 | 21% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 205 | 21% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 171 | 20% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 799 | 19% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 999 | 18% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 342 | 18% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 136 | 18% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 517 | 17% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 179 | 17% |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,983 | 15% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,295 | 15% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 868 | 15% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,349 | 14% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,260 | 14% |
| 18 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 964 | 14% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 447 | 14% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 84 | 14% |
Most common cities for research computing specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $62,616 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $83,282 |
| 3 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $90,615 |
| 4 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $71,211 |
| 5 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $77,395 |
| 6 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $70,355 |
| 7 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $64,997 |
| 8 | Springfield | 1 | 1% | $82,643 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $71,704 |
| 10 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $57,387 |
| 11 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $83,880 |
| 12 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $77,301 |
| 13 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $67,081 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $62,701 |
| 15 | Montgomery | 1 | 0% | $55,625 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $57,568 |
| 17 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $88,175 |
Research Computing Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of research computing specialist experts
Seattle University
Southeast Missouri State University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Grove City College
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
East Tennessee State University
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Humboldt State University
University of the Incarnate Word
University of Akron
Goldey-Beacom College
Adelphi University
The Ohio State University
Rowan University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Newark
North Carolina Central University
Forsyth County, Georgia
Tarleton State University
What will help Research Computing Specialists increase their earning potential?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: I think it is important for graduates to look at projections on the Bureau of Labor Statistics
website and to conduct general research on the state of certain industries at the time of
graduation. For instance, the tech industry is currently very saturated; some people who started
positions as user experience researchers just a few years ago were laid off. Individuals who have
years of experience in these positions will then have an advantage in securing new positions.
That being said, I believe that quantitative research skills in particular are advantageous for many
positions. This includes attaining coding skills and learning coding languages such as Python, R,
and Java.
In addition to the tech industry, the higher education market for individuals with a Master's
degree or PhD in sociology for tenure-track, full-time assistant professor positions in sociology
proves to remain highly competitive, as there are far more graduates than full-time positions.
That being said, some Master's programs emphasize an applied focus that prepares students for a
variety of research and evaluation positions.
In relation to research skills focused on data collection and analysis, sociology majors develop
writing and presentation skills that are crucial to success in any field. Also, the major's emphasis
on a critical global perspective along with cultural humility, cultural competence, empathy, and
overall interpersonal skills are sought-after skills in many fields. For instance, the U.S. is
experiencing a serious shortage of mental health professionals. Although some mental health
positions require a bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, others are also open to
individuals with a bachelor's degree in sociology or psychology.
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSeattle University
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Research Computing Specialists?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Empirical data collection: Research skills for collecting original data, analyzing the data, writing up the information collected, and presenting it in a professional manner.
Scott Thorne Ph.D.
InstructorSoutheast Missouri State University
Department of Marketing
What soft skills should all Research Computing Specialists possess?
Scott Thorne Ph.D.: Team building, leadership, co-operation, salesmanship. I always tell my students to show any leadership positions they had while in school on their resumes as businesses value people who can both take the initiative and work well with others.
What will help Research Computing Specialists increase their earning potential?
Heidi Jo Newberg: Students who have a strong command of programming are in heavy demand whether they stay in astronomy or decide to pursue employment in the private sector. Taking programming classes and getting computational experience in research settings will put students in a good position to earn higher salaries.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Computing Specialists?
DJ Wagner Ph.D.: I would have to say that the biggest impact is due not to the courses a student takes but to what professional opportunities outside of the classroom the student pursues. The employers with which I've spoken suggest that evidence of independent research projects and of the ability to work collaboratively are very important considerations in the hiring process. Networking is also key. At Grove City College, we encourage our physics majors to get involved in research starting their freshman year, and we provide many opportunities for them to network with alumni in the field and by attending conferences. Research builds several critical skills of value to employers: the ability to take ownership of a project and follow it through over a period of time, the ability to work as a team toward a common goal, the ability to operate and trouble-shoot apparatus (for experimental research), the ability to extract meaning from data, etc. Interacting with professionals in the field gives students a wide perspective about possible career paths, connections within those careers, and an understanding of the current state of the field not typically obtained in college courses.
When I have heard professionals speak to students at conferences, they often recommend that physics majors take communication and management courses in addition to their required physics curriculum. The skills and knowledge gained in those courses can help graduates navigate the corporate world successfully.
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor, MPA Program DirectorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
School of Public Affairs and Administration
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Computing Specialists?
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.: The courses or certifications that have the greatest impact on a person's public service job prospects are highly dependent on that person's career goals. Some of the courses that are helpful for nearly all public servants include topics like grant writing, administrative ethics, leadership of organizations, equity and diversity, and evidence-based decision making.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Computing Specialists?
Paul Trogen Ph.D.: Some surveys suggest that as many as half of local government jobs may be filled by business graduates. One should take courses similar to what those business students study. One of our graduate students surveyed local governments, and found the skills most in demand included accounting, human resource management, budgeting, public relations, and risk management. The ability to use spreadsheets and communicate clearly with tables and graphs helps. Quantitative skills like linear programming, PERT/CPM, inventory models, and queuing theory will make you an indispensable problem solver. Some high demand niches that are unique to the public sector include geographic information systems (GIS), city planning, and economic development. Hard skills will increase your chances of landing an interview.
What technical skills for a Research Computing Specialist stand out to employers?
Shelly Lesher: Employers value our graduates for their ability to independently solve complex problems, whether in or out of the lab. This skill has not and will not change regardless of instructional mode.
What soft skills should all Research Computing Specialists possess?
Dr. Anne Paulet Ph.D.: In terms of soft skills, those probably won't change much, they will simply be practiced differently. Being flexible is important since jobs may switch between home and office and since one may be dealing with someone else working from home and the challenges that can present-what cat owner hasn't had their cat walk in front of the camera or step on the wrong computer key? The ability to work in groups will continue to have importance as well as the ability to manage your own time and meet deadlines. At the same time, the nature of computer camera interaction means that people will have to learn to "read" others differently than they would in an in-person environment. Many recent articles have talked about how it is harder to read facial cues or detect emotional responses on the computer. Again, those presently taking synchronous classes have the opportunity to practice these skills--providing students turn on their cameras rather than relying only on audio. If the past year has demonstrated anything, it is that people need to be more culturally aware and sensitive and also be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds. History classes are a great way for students to better understand what others have gone through and how that might impact interaction today. Additionally, history classes-as well as college in general-should provide students with the skills to help create the kind of changes in institutions and companies that need to be made to make them more inclusive. Perhaps the greatest skill college students have is the ability to learn. I never intended to teach online, yet here I am doing just that. It required learning new ways to approach teaching, reconsideration of the ways students learned in the new environment, and figuring out new online programs to make all this happen. I was forced to do this as a result of the pandemic but most students will find that this sort of adjustment-whether foreseen or not-will be a regular part of their career path. The ability to learn these new skills, to apply new methods and to approach issues in new and innovative ways will help them stand out when it comes to looking for a job.
What Research Computing Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lopita Nath Ph.D.: If graduates need to take a gap year, I recommend that they focus on broad, transferable skills that will never go away however automated their workplace becomes. Graduates will need to focus on reading and writing, critical thinking, analysis, research, and presentation and communication skills. Reading improves the vocabulary, and will make a person a better writer and confident presenter. Learning a language, other than your own, is always valuable and time well spent. There are so many online options like Babbel and Duolingo that can help. Graduates need to learn how to think outside the box. These are skills that liberal arts degrees like a History or an English will teach them better when they are ready for college. Transferable skills are always valuable at any workplace.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Computing Specialists?
Dr. Bill Lyons: Conflict Management/Transformation skills. Quantitative analysis skills. Writing skills. Creativity and imagination skills developed in the arts.
Wendy Brown
ProfessorGoldey-Beacom College
Department of Health Care Management
What skills stand out on Research Computing Specialist resumes?
Wendy Brown: Neither skill is universal and sometimes it is difficult to find one person who is skilled at both.
What Research Computing Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Wright Ph.D.: Buy a Raspberry PI or a Beaglebone black and do something amazing with it.
All3dp
What general advice would you give to a Research Computing Specialist?
Heather Tanner Ph.D.: Most entry-level jobs have lots of boring elements, which is frustrating when you can't wait to jump in and tackle exciting challenges. However, it would help if you showed your immediate supervisor and the company/institution that you are a good team member, capable, and willing to take on tasks (challenging and boring). Routinely ask your supervisor for new jobs or projects to expand your skillset and knowledge of the company/institution. It would help if you also manage your expectations about how quickly you'll be promoted; it can be frustratingly slow. Finally, it's essential to recognize that you need to manage your reputation - this is a workplace where you need to be perceived as a responsible and competent professional. Therefore, only share information about your personal life and leisure time as if talking to your grandparents.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Research Computing Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Heather Tanner Ph.D.: In academia (my field), I expect that it won't be new technology but new software that will become increasingly important. Programs that allow students to collaborate, create multi-media presentations, and analyze data.
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural education
How would you rate the starting salaries for Research Computing Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.: Educators are not paid nearly enough. However, working in a state with strong teachers' unions helps to ensure a starting salary that recent graduates can live off of and growth opportunities, albeit modest, over their careers.
What type of skills will young Research Computing Specialists need?
Margery Amdur: Students need to be far more self-sufficient, curious, and persistent. They need to surround themselves with others who are driven. They also need to be grateful if they get a job offer. It will put them on a path. "On a path" is better than not being on a track.
Resilience and the willingness to be vulnerable continue to be critical mantras!
I know this doesn't have anything to do with technology, but attaining skills that reside outside of the academy will serve all of us!
Elisha Blankson
Program Director NCCU, Assistant ProfessorNorth Carolina Central University
Communication Disorders Department
What type of skills will young Research Computing Specialists need?
Elisha Blankson: Graduates will need a skill set about the field in which they received training and additional skills useful to the job market. For example, with the changing demographics in the United States, extra skills in information technology and foreign languages will be a plus when entering the job market.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Research Computing Specialists to find work opportunities?
Donna Kukarola: This one, not so sure of, the southeast continues to see options as well as mid-western states.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Research Computing Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Joseph Schuessler: Certainly! Much like finance, many suitable positions for finance majors are also ideal for business economics majors. In our region, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas routinely recruits our majors. Traditional positions in the financial sector, such as investment and market analysts, stockbrokers, bank managers, etc. are all attracted to motivated business economics majors.