Data Scientist I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 1,546 certified H-1B filings for Data Scientist I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $107,682, which is 15% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Data Scientist I H-1B salaries fall between $88,754 and $130,000.
Median Salary Trend
Data Scientist I salaries have grown -8% from FY 2020 ($110,000) to FY 2026 ($101,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Data Scientist I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AMAZON | 442 | $119,200 |
| PAYPAL | 123 | $144,324 |
| INSURANCE SERVICES OFFICE | 50 | $95,000 |
| BANK OF AMERICA N.A | 40 | $125,000 |
| RELX | 34 | $97,185 |
| EBAY | 33 | $152,092 |
| TRUIST BANK | 33 | $92,589 |
| INSURANCE SERVICES OFFICE | 29 | $100,000 |
| INFOSYS | 27 | $96,034 |
| GENERAL MOTORS FINANCIAL | 19 | $101,900 |
Top Locations for Data Scientist I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 202 | $120,200 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 139 | $115,000 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 106 | $148,000 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 59 | $103,525 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 56 | $115,000 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 51 | $110,600 |
| San Francisco, CA | 49 | $124,000 |
| Charlotte, NC | 46 | $122,540 |
| Atlanta, GA | 41 | $96,000 |
| Chicago, IL | 38 | $105,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Data Scientist I is $107,682, based on 1,546 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 15% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown -8% since FY 2020 ($110,000 → $101,000).
Salaries span a $74,175 range from the 10th percentile ($74,425) to the 90th percentile ($148,600). The middle 50% of Data Scientist Is earn between $88,754 and $130,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 442 certified filings at a median salary of $119,200. Among the top sponsors, EBAY pays the highest median at $152,092. The pay spread across top employers is 64%.
Geographically, Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Data Scientist I H-1B filings (202) at a median of $120,200. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Jose, CA at $148,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Data Scientist I positions is $107,682, based on 1,546 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 15% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $130,000 to $148,600, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $74,425 to $88,754. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $74,425
- 25th percentile
- $88,754
- Median
- $107,682
- 75th percentile
- $130,000
- 90th percentile
- $148,600
Salaries range from $74,425 at the 10th percentile to $148,600 at the 90th percentile, showing a $74,175 spread. The 25th percentile is $88,754 and the 75th percentile is $130,000.
Which companies hire the most Data Scientist Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Data Scientist I 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.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for Data Scientist I positions with 442 filings at a median salary of $119,200. PAYPAL follows with 123 filings.
Where are Data Scientist I H-1B jobs located?
Data Scientist I 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 Scientist Is 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.
Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Data Scientist I H-1B filings with 202 positions at a median salary of $120,200. The highest-paying location is San Jose, CA at $148,000 median.
How have Data Scientist I salaries changed over time?
Data Scientist I H-1B salaries have changed by -8% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $110,000 to $101,000 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: $116,402 (310 certified)
- FY 2023: $110,000 (235 certified)
- FY 2024: $105,000 (213 certified)
- FY 2025: $108,300 (187 certified)
- FY 2026: $101,000 (158 certified)