Lead Data Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 2,070 certified H-1B filings for Lead Data Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $136,822, which is 8% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Lead Data Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $109,491 and $170,000.
Median Salary Trend
Lead Data Scientist salaries have grown 44% from FY 2020 ($106,787) to FY 2026 ($154,253).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Lead Data Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| DISCOVER PRODUCTS | 252 | $96,000 |
| INFOSYS | 93 | $89,107 |
| JPMORGAN CHASE | 87 | $160,500 |
| AETNA RESOURCES | 71 | $179,410 |
| FEDEX DATAWORKS | 51 | $126,069 |
| DISCOVER PRODUCTS | 36 | $108,000 |
| TARGET ENTERPRISE | 34 | $132,000 |
| TIGER ANALYTICS | 33 | $170,000 |
| 84.51 | 27 | $141,450 |
| CAREMARK | 27 | $183,643 |
Top Locations for Lead Data Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Riverwoods, IL (all jobs) | 290 | $104,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 177 | $177,000 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 91 | $130,000 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 76 | $156,000 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 71 | $192,600 |
| Atlanta, GA | 47 | $140,000 |
| Jersey City, NJ | 46 | $152,000 |
| Plano, TX | 45 | $158,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 33 | $156,376 |
| San Jose, CA | 28 | $211,536 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Data Scientist is $136,822, based on 2,070 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 8% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 44% since FY 2020 ($106,787 → $154,253).
Salaries span a $106,954 range from the 10th percentile ($88,046) to the 90th percentile ($195,000). The middle 50% of Lead Data Scientists earn between $109,491 and $170,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
DISCOVER PRODUCTS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 252 certified filings at a median salary of $96,000. Among the top sponsors, CAREMARK pays the highest median at $183,643. The pay spread across top employers is 106%.
Geographically, Riverwoods, IL has the highest concentration of Lead Data Scientist H-1B filings (290) at a median of $104,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Jose, CA at $211,536.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lead Data Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Data Scientist positions is $136,822, based on 2,070 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 8% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $170,000 to $195,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $88,046 to $109,491. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $88,046
- 25th percentile
- $109,491
- Median
- $136,822
- 75th percentile
- $170,000
- 90th percentile
- $195,000
Salaries range from $88,046 at the 10th percentile to $195,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $106,954 spread. The 25th percentile is $109,491 and the 75th percentile is $170,000.
Which companies hire the most Lead Data Scientists on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Lead Data Scientist roles includes both technology companies hiring directly and IT consulting firms that place workers at client sites. Direct-hire positions at tech companies often offer higher base salaries and equity packages, while consulting roles provide diverse project experience across industries.
DISCOVER PRODUCTS is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Data Scientist positions with 252 filings at a median salary of $96,000. INFOSYS follows with 93 filings.
Where are Lead Data Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Lead 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 Lead 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.
Riverwoods, IL has the highest concentration of Lead Data Scientist H-1B filings with 290 positions at a median salary of $104,000. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $192,600 median.
How have Lead Data Scientist salaries changed over time?
Lead Data Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +44% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $106,787 to $154,253 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: $130,000 (326 certified)
- FY 2023: $134,280 (298 certified)
- FY 2024: $148,300 (291 certified)
- FY 2025: $146,000 (413 certified)
- FY 2026: $154,253 (320 certified)