Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Durham, NC
Based on 20 certified H-1B filings in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Chapel Hill.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $101,358 |
| 25th | $120,229 |
| 50th (median) | $137,998 |
| 75th | $183,306 |
| 90th | $253,240 |
Cost of living
Durham's median Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary of $137,998 is worth about $141,400 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Durham = 97.6).
Compared with all workers here
All Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Durham, NC area earned a median of $136,990 in May 2025 (90 employed). The H-1B median here is $137,998, 1% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings | too few | 6 |
| Amazon | too few | 5 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | – | 0 |
| Mid-level · Level II | too few | 4 |
| Senior · Level III | $139,100 | 11 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior · Level III | $129,979 | $139,100 | 11 |
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.