Senior Data Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 11,426 certified H-1B filings for Senior Data Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $144,123, which is 14% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Data Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $117,645 and $169,828.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Data Scientist salaries have grown 29% from FY 2020 ($118,581) to FY 2026 ($152,610).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Data Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| WALMART | 980 | $168,154 |
| DISCOVER PRODUCTS | 271 | $80,000 |
| AETNA RESOURCES | 249 | $155,000 |
| CAREMARK | 207 | $153,000 |
| MICROSOFT | 205 | $153,088 |
| CAPITAL ONE SERVICES | 203 | $97,906 |
| VISA U.S.A. | 144 | $138,798 |
| INTUIT | 133 | $149,970 |
| CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | 125 | $106,600 |
| TARGET ENTERPRISE | 104 | $108,306 |
Top Locations for Senior Data Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 1,062 | $153,868 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 729 | $175,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 558 | $168,154 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 425 | $128,154 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 327 | $141,900 |
| Riverwoods, IL (all jobs) | 294 | $84,000 |
| Atlanta, GA (all jobs) | 268 | $125,000 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 262 | $182,400 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 251 | $170,000 |
| Bentonville, AR (all jobs) | 243 | $144,612 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Data Scientist is $144,123, based on 11,426 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 14% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 29% since FY 2020 ($118,581 → $152,610).
Salaries span a $99,050 range from the 10th percentile ($95,784) to the 90th percentile ($194,834). The middle 50% of Senior Data Scientists earn between $117,645 and $169,828, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
WALMART is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 980 certified filings at a median salary of $168,154. The pay spread across top employers is 110%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Senior Data Scientist H-1B filings (1,062) at a median of $153,868. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Jose, CA at $182,400.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Data Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Data Scientist positions is $144,123, based on 11,426 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 14% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $169,828 to $194,834, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $95,784 to $117,645. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $95,784
- 25th percentile
- $117,645
- Median
- $144,123
- 75th percentile
- $169,828
- 90th percentile
- $194,834
Salaries range from $95,784 at the 10th percentile to $194,834 at the 90th percentile, showing a $99,050 spread. The 25th percentile is $117,645 and the 75th percentile is $169,828.
Which companies hire the most Senior Data Scientists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior 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.
WALMART is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Data Scientist positions with 980 filings at a median salary of $168,154. DISCOVER PRODUCTS follows with 271 filings.
Where are Senior Data Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior Data Scientist H-1B filings with 1,062 positions at a median salary of $153,868. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $175,000 median.
How have Senior Data Scientist salaries changed over time?
Senior Data Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +29% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $118,581 to $152,610 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: $140,000 (1,927 certified)
- FY 2023: $145,000 (1,592 certified)
- FY 2024: $149,594 (1,769 certified)
- FY 2025: $150,000 (2,098 certified)
- FY 2026: $152,610 (1,656 certified)