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Cognitive Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nudge

Session Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Bachelor's degree in a science, math, or clinical field (including neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology) * Strong interpersonal and communication skills * High integrity and strong ...

Nudge Inc.

Session Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in a science, math, or clinical field (including neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology) * Strong interpersonal and communication skills * High integrity and strong ...

Apple

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications MS or PhD in Human Factors Engineering, Design Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or related field 7+ years of industry experience applying design ...

nudge

Session Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Bachelor's degree in a science, math, or clinical field (including neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology) * Strong interpersonal and communication skills * High integrity and strong ...

NorthEastern

Research Technician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$22.85 - $31.42/hr

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Education, or a related technical field. * One to three years of academic or professional experience in a research lab. * Experience ...

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Cognitive Science information

See California salary details

$23.2K

$56.7K

$75.5K

How much do cognitive science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive science in California is $56,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $61,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs do cognitive science majors get?

Cognitive science majors often pursue careers as user experience designers, cognitive researchers, data analysts, human factors specialists, and artificial intelligence developers. These roles typically require skills in research, programming, and understanding human behavior, and may involve working in technology, healthcare, or academia.

Is cognitive science a useful degree?

A degree in cognitive science provides a strong foundation in understanding human cognition, perception, and decision-making, which are valuable in fields like artificial intelligence, user experience, and research. Graduates often find employment in tech, healthcare, education, and research institutions, and the interdisciplinary skills gained can enhance problem-solving and analytical abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a cognitive science position?

To thrive in a Cognitive Science role, you need a solid grounding in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, and data analysis, usually supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), programming languages (like Python or MATLAB), and research tools is highly advantageous. Outstanding collaboration, critical thinking, and clear communication skills set top candidates apart in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications enable professionals to analyze complex cognitive processes and contribute innovative solutions to real-world human-computer interaction, AI, or behavioral research challenges.

What does a cognitive scientist do?

A cognitive scientist studies how the mind processes information, including perception, memory, language, and decision-making. They often conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop models using tools like computer simulations and statistical software to understand human and animal cognition.

What are the typical career progression opportunities for someone in a cognitive science role?

Professionals in cognitive science often start in research assistant, data analyst, or user experience roles and can progress to positions such as lead researcher, UX researcher, cognitive engineer, or even project manager depending on their interests and expertise. With experience and additional qualifications, some transition into roles in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, neurotechnology, or higher education as professors or principal investigators. Opportunities for advancement are often influenced by your ability to publish research, collaborate across disciplines, and acquire advanced degrees or certifications. Many cognitive science professionals also find pathways into related industries including technology, healthcare, and education, allowing for diverse and rewarding career trajectories.

What is a cognitive science job?

A Cognitive Science job involves applying knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and linguistics to understand how humans and machines think, learn, and process information. Professionals in this field work in diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, research, and user experience design. Common roles include data scientist, UX researcher, AI specialist, and cognitive psychologist. These jobs often require analytical thinking, programming skills, and expertise in human behavior or machine learning.

Is cognitive science in demand?

Cognitive science is a growing interdisciplinary field with increasing demand in areas such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and data analysis. Professionals with skills in research, programming, and understanding of cognitive processes are sought after in academia, tech companies, and healthcare sectors.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cognitive Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Cognitive Science jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cognitive Science jobs in California? For Cognitive Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cognitive Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cognitive Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cognitive Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Cognitive Science job openings:
Cognitive Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cognitive Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,661 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Session Operator

Nudge

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About Nudge

At Nudge, our mission is to develop the best technology for interfacing with the brain to improve people's lives. We're starting with an approach that we believe can help the most people the fastest, and also allow us to learn as much about the brain as possible: developing a non-invasive, ultrasound-based device that can stimulate and image the brain at high resolution and depth. This is a vertically integrated effort building cutting-edge hardware, software, and research capabilities to create products that can benefit millions — and eventually billions — of people.

To succeed, we need to assemble world-class teams across everything we do. We hire people who are exceptional at their craft, believe hard things are worth doing, and execute relentlessly — people who expect the highest levels of both rigor and integrity from each other.

About the role

As a session operator, you’ll help execute the day-to-day operations of our human research studies. You’ll guide participants through MRI research sessions, ensure studies are conducted safely and according to protocol, and help collect the high-quality data that drives our research and technology development.

In this role, you will:

  • Operate MRI and neuromodulation systems while ensuring participant safety, protocol compliance, and high-quality data collection.

  • Prepare MRI-compatible equipment, research spaces, and materials for upcoming sessions.

  • Document session activities and maintain accurate study records.

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe MRI environment in accordance with MRI safety and operational guidelines.

  • Monitor inventory of research supplies and session materials, ensuring everything needed for upcoming studies is available.

About you

We are looking for session operators of all levels, with a preference for at least 1 year of experience in a research or clinical setting. Regardless of your career level, you should have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a science, math, or clinical field (including neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology)

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • High integrity and strong professional judgement