Expert Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Atlanta, GA
Based on 20 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level IV in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Alpharetta, Roswell, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Johns Creek.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $134,922 |
| 25th | $153,171 |
| 50th (median) | $172,500 |
| 75th | $180,633 |
| 90th | $219,000 |
Cost of living
Atlanta's median expert Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary of $172,500 is worth about $172,400 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Atlanta = 100.1).
Compared with all workers here
All Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Atlanta, GA area earned a median of $166,800 in May 2025 (110 employed). The H-1B median here is $172,500, 3% higher.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Laboratories | too few | 3 |
| Amazon | too few | 2 |
| Pindrop Security | too few | 2 |
| VisionNav Robotics | too few | 2 |
| Wabtec US Rail | too few | 2 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $81,000 | 16 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $107,263 | 34 |
| Senior · Level III | $158,776 | 13 |
| Expert · Level IV | $172,500 | 20 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $59,634 | $81,000 | 16 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $106,766 | $107,263 | 34 |
| Senior · Level III | $112,237 | $158,776 | 13 |
| Expert · Level IV | $134,222 | $172,500 | 20 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.