Staff Data Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 907 certified H-1B filings for Staff Data Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $174,699, which is 34% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Data Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $156,853 and $200,000.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Data Scientist salaries have grown 22% from FY 2020 ($162,240) to FY 2026 ($198,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Data Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| WALMART | 297 | $170,000 |
| INTUIT | 57 | $180,508 |
| MICROSOFT | 32 | $176,904 |
| VISA U.S.A. | 15 | $138,500 |
| SOCIAL FINANCE | 15 | $215,000 |
| QUALCOMM INCORPORATED | 12 | $156,000 |
| GE HEALTHCARE IITS USA | 11 | $153,327 |
| PALO ALTO NETWORKS | 11 | $165,670 |
| BLUE YONDER | 10 | $104,333 |
| OPENAI OPCO | 10 | $325,000 |
Top Locations for Staff Data Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 133 | $171,337 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 91 | $214,656 |
| Bentonville, AR (all jobs) | 67 | $155,000 |
| Mountain View, CA (all jobs) | 62 | $189,108 |
| New York, NY | 43 | $195,000 |
| Hoboken, NJ | 29 | $193,298 |
| Austin, TX | 27 | $145,080 |
| San Jose, CA | 27 | $200,094 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 26 | $171,337 |
| Dallas, TX | 25 | $160,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Data Scientist is $174,699, based on 907 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 34% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 22% since FY 2020 ($162,240 → $198,000).
Salaries span a $97,181 range from the 10th percentile ($133,000) to the 90th percentile ($230,181). The middle 50% of Staff Data Scientists earn between $156,853 and $200,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
WALMART is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 297 certified filings at a median salary of $170,000. Among the top sponsors, OPENAI OPCO pays the highest median at $325,000. The pay spread across top employers is 212%.
Geographically, Sunnyvale, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Data Scientist H-1B filings (133) at a median of $171,337. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $214,656.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Data Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Data Scientist positions is $174,699, based on 907 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 34% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $200,000 to $230,181, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $133,000 to $156,853. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $133,000
- 25th percentile
- $156,853
- Median
- $174,699
- 75th percentile
- $200,000
- 90th percentile
- $230,181
Salaries range from $133,000 at the 10th percentile to $230,181 at the 90th percentile, showing a $97,181 spread. The 25th percentile is $156,853 and the 75th percentile is $200,000.
Which companies hire the most Staff Data Scientists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff 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 Staff Data Scientist positions with 297 filings at a median salary of $170,000. INTUIT follows with 57 filings.
Where are Staff Data Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Staff 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 Staff 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.
Sunnyvale, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Data Scientist H-1B filings with 133 positions at a median salary of $171,337. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $214,656 median.
How have Staff Data Scientist salaries changed over time?
Staff Data Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +22% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $162,240 to $198,000 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: $170,825 (130 certified)
- FY 2023: $170,000 (142 certified)
- FY 2024: $170,000 (186 certified)
- FY 2025: $180,128 (280 certified)
- FY 2026: $198,000 (38 certified)