Principal Data Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 1,574 certified H-1B filings for Principal Data Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $138,570, which is 10% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal Data Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $109,620 and $172,170.
Median Salary Trend
Principal Data Scientist salaries have grown 58% from FY 2020 ($97,906) to FY 2026 ($155,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal Data Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| CAPITAL ONE SERVICES | 198 | $100,235 |
| CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | 195 | $111,966 |
| DISCOVER PRODUCTS | 155 | $116,000 |
| WALMART | 88 | $175,000 |
| MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES | 40 | $140,000 |
| OPEN AVENUES FOUNDATION | 38 | $101,608 |
| DISCOVER PRODUCTS | 27 | $123,000 |
| DISCOVER BANK | 22 | $126,500 |
| DFS SERVICES | 21 | $130,000 |
| FEDERAL EXPRESS | 17 | $141,357 |
Top Locations for Principal Data Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Riverwoods, IL (all jobs) | 209 | $125,081 |
| Mclean, VA (all jobs) | 184 | $102,274 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 144 | $136,400 |
| Plano, TX (all jobs) | 86 | $100,000 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 60 | $168,002 |
| Bentonville, AR | 39 | $173,910 |
| Chicago, IL | 38 | $138,570 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 34 | $172,170 |
| Boston, MA | 33 | $174,800 |
| Austin, TX | 25 | $144,144 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Principal Data Scientist is $138,570, based on 1,574 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 10% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 58% since FY 2020 ($97,906 → $155,000).
Salaries span a $120,310 range from the 10th percentile ($89,690) to the 90th percentile ($210,000). The middle 50% of Principal Data Scientists earn between $109,620 and $172,170, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
CAPITAL ONE SERVICES is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 198 certified filings at a median salary of $100,235. Among the top sponsors, WALMART pays the highest median at $175,000. The pay spread across top employers is 75%.
Geographically, Riverwoods, IL has the highest concentration of Principal Data Scientist H-1B filings (209) at a median of $125,081. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Boston, MA at $174,800.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Principal Data Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Principal Data Scientist positions is $138,570, based on 1,574 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 10% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $172,170 to $210,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $89,690 to $109,620. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $89,690
- 25th percentile
- $109,620
- Median
- $138,570
- 75th percentile
- $172,170
- 90th percentile
- $210,000
Salaries range from $89,690 at the 10th percentile to $210,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $120,310 spread. The 25th percentile is $109,620 and the 75th percentile is $172,170.
Which companies hire the most Principal Data Scientists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Principal 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.
CAPITAL ONE SERVICES is the largest H-1B sponsor for Principal Data Scientist positions with 198 filings at a median salary of $100,235. CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION follows with 195 filings.
Where are Principal Data Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal Data Scientist H-1B filings with 209 positions at a median salary of $125,081. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $168,002 median.
How have Principal Data Scientist salaries changed over time?
Principal Data Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +58% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $97,906 to $155,000 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: $115,000 (226 certified)
- FY 2023: $128,773 (205 certified)
- FY 2024: $136,400 (252 certified)
- FY 2025: $152,356 (309 certified)
- FY 2026: $155,000 (277 certified)