Data Scientist H-1B Salary in Chicago, IL
Employers have filed 638 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Data Scientist positions in Chicago, IL, with a median salary of $105,420. That's 15% lower than the national Data Scientist H-1B median of $124,467 across all U.S. locations, and 3% higher than the Chicago, IL all-roles H-1B median of $102,690. Data Scientist ranks #12 among H-1B job titles filed from Chicago, IL.
Headline numbers for Data Scientist H-1B roles in Chicago, IL, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #355 by filing volume out of the 7,138 job × city combinations we track — one of the largest for Data Scientist hiring.
Data Scientist H-1B Salary Range in Chicago, IL
The pay distribution for this role spans $87,700 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $89,690 and $133,139, the interquartile range where most experienced Data Scientists land. The median of $105,420 sits 15% lower than the national Data Scientist H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $76,100
- 25th percentile
- $89,690
- Median
- $105,420
- 75th percentile
- $133,139
- 90th percentile
- $163,800
Top Employers Hiring Data Scientists in Chicago, IL
ANTHEM is the largest H-1B sponsor for Data Scientist in Chicago, IL, with 46 certified filings (7% of local Data Scientist H-1B filings) at a median salary of $78,811. Among the top sponsors, PAYPAL pays the highest median at $132,256. The pay spread across top employers is 68%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 68% ($78,811 at ANTHEM to $132,256 at PAYPAL)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHEM | 46 | $78,811 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | 18 | $80,000 |
| PAYPAL | 18 | $132,256 |
| ELEVANCE HEALTH | 16 | $124,571 |
| THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP | 13 | $120,000 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Data Scientist H-1B median across every U.S. location — a measure of how local cost-of-living and market demand shift pay up or down. The second is the all-roles H-1B median in Chicago, IL, which tells you whether Data Scientist pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Data Scientist H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Data Scientist is an active H-1B role. New York, NY has the most filings (2,563) outside Chicago, IL. The highest median among these is Menlo Park, CA at $178,418. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 2,563 | $140,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 1,537 | $150,488 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 1,296 | $178,418 |
| Mountain View, CA | 892 | $166,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 879 | $145,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 868 | $160,193 |
| Redmond, WA | 616 | $160,800 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 613 | $146,307 |
| Boston, MA | 524 | $115,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | 521 | $110,000 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Chicago, IL
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Chicago, IL, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Developer is the busiest non-Data Scientist role here (2,925 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Manager at a median of $139,901.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 2,925 | $97,800 |
| Software Engineer | 2,762 | $108,000 |
| Consultant | 1,693 | $92,810 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 1,422 | $125,000 |
| Architect | 1,328 | $90,397 |
| Manager | 1,110 | $139,901 |
| Accountant | 1,039 | $93,030 |
| Senior Consultant | 958 | $114,067 |
| Assistant Professor | 907 | $94,034 |
| Systems Analyst | 786 | $93,600 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Data Scientist in Chicago, IL is $105,420, based on 638 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 15% lower than the national Data Scientist H-1B median of $124,467 across all U.S. locations. It is also 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $102,690 in Chicago, IL across all job titles.
Salaries span a $87,700 range from the 10th percentile ($76,100) to the 90th percentile ($163,800). The middle 50% of workers earn between $89,690 and $133,139, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
ANTHEM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Chicago, IL, with 46 certified filings at a median salary of $78,811. Among the top employers, PAYPAL pays the highest median at $132,256. The pay spread across top employers is 68%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Data Scientist H-1B roles in Chicago, IL, answered directly from 638 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Every answer below cites the specific data point it's based on.
What is the average Data Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
The median H-1B salary for Data Scientist positions in Chicago, IL is $105,420, based on 638 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $76,100
- 25th percentile
- $89,690
- Median
- $105,420
- 75th percentile
- $133,139
- 90th percentile
- $163,800
The salary distribution for Data Scientist roles in Chicago, IL shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $76,100, while the 90th percentile earns $163,800. This $87,700 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,707, Data Scientist salaries in Chicago, IL are 19% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Data Scientists in Chicago, IL?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Data Scientist positions in Chicago, IL are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Data Scientist roles specifically in Chicago, IL. ANTHEM leads with 46 filings at a median salary of $78,811. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $78,811 to $132,256.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Data Scientist in Chicago, IL?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Data Scientist in Chicago, IL, you'll need a sponsoring employer. The process involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa
- The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor
- Once the LCA is certified, the employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS
- If selected in the H-1B lottery (if applicable) and approved, you can begin work
Based on our data, 638 H-1B positions for Data Scientists in Chicago, IL have been certified, indicating strong demand for this role. The top sponsors listed above have a track record of successful H-1B sponsorship for this position.