Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Charlotte, NC
Based on 16 certified H-1B filings in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Mooresville, Concord, Davidson, Salisbury.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $118,061 |
| 25th | $127,400 |
| 50th (median) | $146,473 |
| 75th | $166,250 |
| 90th | $197,500 |
Salary by year
Median salary
Filings per year
Show as table
| Fiscal year | Median | P25 | P75 | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2020 | $110,084 | $102,024 | $130,184 | 14 |
| FY2021 | $104,916 | $86,029 | $117,842 | 16 |
| FY2022 | $121,264 | $104,832 | $139,923 | 11 |
| FY2023 | – | – | – | 5 |
| FY2024 | – | – | – | 7 |
| FY2025 | $142,163 | $126,194 | $167,500 | 10 |
| FY2026 | – | – | – | 6 |
Cost of living
Charlotte's median Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary of $146,473 is worth about $150,500 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Charlotte = 97.3).
Compared with all workers here
All Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Charlotte, NC area earned a median of $102,630 in May 2025 (110 employed). The H-1B median here is $146,473, 43% higher.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | – | 0 |
| Mid-level · Level II | – | 0 |
| Senior · Level III | – | 0 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.