Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Champaign, IL
Based on 14 certified H-1B filings in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Urbana.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $85,810 |
| 25th | $89,193 |
| 50th (median) | $100,000 |
| 75th | $249,066 |
| 90th | $327,000 |
Cost of living
Champaign's median Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary of $100,000 is worth about $107,900 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Champaign = 92.7).
Compared with all workers here
All Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Champaign, IL area earned a median of $94,700 in May 2025 (50 employed). The H-1B median here is $100,000, 6% higher.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Top employers filing
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois | too few | 7 |
| NVIDIA | too few | 2 |
| Waabi | 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 | too few | 3 |
| Mid-level · Level II | too few | 5 |
| Senior · Level III | – | 0 |
| Expert · Level IV | too few | 2 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.