Senior Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Atlanta, GA
Based on 13 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level III 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 | $115,401 |
| 25th | $120,000 |
| 50th (median) | $158,776 |
| 75th | $171,300 |
| 90th | $173,200 |
Salary by year
Median salary
Filings per year
Show as table
| Fiscal year | Median | P25 | P75 | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2020 | – | – | – | 7 |
| FY2021 | $122,000 | $118,144 | $128,752 | 14 |
| FY2022 | $150,040 | $132,885 | $165,000 | 14 |
| FY2023 | $120,120 | $114,213 | $129,688 | 11 |
| FY2024 | $120,000 | $111,780 | $143,900 | 13 |
| FY2025 | $145,000 | $119,350 | $170,405 | 11 |
| FY2026 | – | – | – | 2 |
Cost of living
Atlanta's median senior Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary of $158,776 is worth about $158,700 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 $158,776, 5% lower.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | too few | 4 |
| LexisNexis Risk Solutions | 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.