National Prevailing Wage Thresholds — Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051)
Annual equivalents. Source: OFLC Prevailing Wage Data. Last updated 2026-05-02.
Real LCA Filing Stats
Wage Level Distribution (Real Filings)
Based on 262 filings with wage level data.
Top States for Data Scientists H-1B Filings
| State | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| CA | $149,905 | 54 |
| TX | $118,702 | 32 |
| NY | $136,430 | 22 |
| MI | $82,041 | 21 |
| NJ | $125,352 | 15 |
| NC | $91,186 | 14 |
| FL | $93,466 | 13 |
| GA | $141,752 | 13 |
Top H-1B Employers for Data Scientists
| Employer | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| IQVIA Inc. | $118,119 | 26 |
| University of Michigan | $80,634 | 20 |
| BLACKROCK FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, INC. | $125,070 | 10 |
| Stanford Health Care | $133,559 | 7 |
| IQVIA RDS Inc. | $124,446 | 5 |
| OSS, Inc. | $70,874 | 5 |
| Amazon.com Services LLC | $163,320 | 5 |
| ACTIVISION PUBLISHING INC | $141,246 | 5 |
Wage Trend by Year
| Year | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,957 | 10 |
| 2023 | $119,561 | 49 |
| 2024 | $116,534 | 110 |
| 2025 | $122,591 | 98 |
| 2026 | $146,375 | 8 |
Calculate Your Exact Wage Level
Enter the specific job requirements — degree, experience, supervision duties — and get the DOL-calculated level with real comparison data.
Open the Interactive CalculatorHow the H-1B Wage Level is Determined for Data Scientists
Under the Department of Labor's prevailing wage determination process (NPWHC Policy Guidance, November 2009), the wage level for an H-1B petition is not simply based on job title or salary — it's calculated by analyzing the specific requirements of the position. This protects U.S. workers from wage depression and ensures H-1B workers are fairly compensated.
The Four Wage Levels
- Level I – Entry ($62,649/yr nationally): Position requires only basic understanding of the occupation. Assignments are routine, closely supervised, with limited latitude for judgment.
- Level II – Qualified ($81,411/yr nationally): Some judgment and independent decision-making required. Duties are more complex but still within prescribed parameters.
- Level III – Experienced ($100,464/yr nationally): Significant judgment, evaluation, and independent action. May supervise others. Complex tasks requiring experience-based expertise.
- Level IV – Fully Competent ($119,267/yr nationally): Highest level of competence. Uses advanced, specialized knowledge. May direct others. Handles novel or critical situations independently.
DOL Scoring Factors
Starting from a baseline of Level I, points are added based on job requirements:
- Education above bachelor's degree: Master's or J.D. = +1 point; PhD, M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S. = +2 points
- Experience: 2–4 years = +1 point; 5 or more years = +2 points
- Supervisory duties: Any supervision of others = +1 point
- Special requirements: Professional license, foreign language fluency, or additional certification = +1 each, capped at +2 total
Scores map to levels: 0 points = Level I, 1 point = Level II, 2 points = Level III, 3+ points = Level IV.
Why Wage Level Matters for H-1B Approval
USCIS scrutinizes petitions where the offered wage matches a Level I or II designation for a position that appears to require significantly more expertise. A mismatch between job duties and wage level can result in an RFE (Request for Evidence) or denial. Based on 275 certified LCA filings for Data Scientists, the median wage is $115,939 — use this as a benchmark when evaluating your offer's competitiveness.
Prevailing Wage by Metro Area
The national wage thresholds shown above are baseline figures. Prevailing wages vary significantly by metropolitan area — San Francisco, Seattle, and New York typically run 20–40% above the national average for tech occupations. Use the interactive calculator with your specific metro area for the most accurate threshold.