Data Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 26,563 certified H-1B filings for Data Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $124,467, which is 5% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Data Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $97,500 and $160,000.
Median Salary Trend
Data Scientist salaries have grown 33% from FY 2020 ($110,000) to FY 2026 ($146,390).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Data Scientist
Top Locations for Data Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 2,563 | $140,000 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 1,537 | $150,488 |
| Menlo Park, CA (all jobs) | 1,296 | $178,418 |
| Mountain View, CA (all jobs) | 892 | $166,000 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 879 | $145,000 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 868 | $160,193 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 638 | $105,420 |
| Redmond, WA (all jobs) | 616 | $160,800 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 613 | $146,307 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 524 | $115,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Data Scientist is $124,467, based on 26,563 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 5% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 33% since FY 2020 ($110,000 → $146,390).
Salaries span a $109,460 range from the 10th percentile ($81,000) to the 90th percentile ($190,460). The middle 50% of Data Scientists earn between $97,500 and $160,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
META is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 1,728 certified filings at a median salary of $186,000. Among the top sponsors, BYTEDANCE pays the highest median at $210,000. The pay spread across top employers is 112%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Data Scientist H-1B filings (2,563) at a median of $140,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Menlo Park, CA at $178,418.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Data Scientist positions is $124,467, based on 26,563 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 5% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $160,000 to $190,460, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $81,000 to $97,500. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $81,000
- 25th percentile
- $97,500
- Median
- $124,467
- 75th percentile
- $160,000
- 90th percentile
- $190,460
Salaries range from $81,000 at the 10th percentile to $190,460 at the 90th percentile, showing a $109,460 spread. The 25th percentile is $97,500 and the 75th percentile is $160,000.
Which companies hire the most Data Scientists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Data Scientist positions spans various industries and employer types. The top sponsors reflect where demand for this role is highest, with compensation varying based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger employers often have established visa sponsorship programs and immigration support.
META is the largest H-1B sponsor for Data Scientist positions with 1,728 filings at a median salary of $186,000. MICROSOFT follows with 936 filings.
Where are Data Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Data Scientist H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Data Scientists across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Data Scientist H-1B filings with 2,563 positions at a median salary of $140,000. The highest-paying location is Menlo Park, CA at $178,418 median.
How have Data Scientist salaries changed over time?
Data Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +33% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $110,000 to $146,390 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $123,000 (4,574 certified)
- FY 2023: $126,027 (3,845 certified)
- FY 2024: $130,000 (4,242 certified)
- FY 2025: $131,942 (4,826 certified)
- FY 2026: $146,390 (1,535 certified)