Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Phoenix, AZ
Based on 33 certified H-1B filings in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $85,995 |
| 25th | $133,900 |
| 50th (median) | $154,731 |
| 75th | $160,000 |
| 90th | $184,242 |
Salary by year
Median salary
Filings per year
Show as table
| Fiscal year | Median | P25 | P75 | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2020 | $120,000 | $95,000 | $135,789 | 11 |
| FY2021 | $128,787 | $106,538 | $145,406 | 12 |
| FY2022 | $111,675 | $108,063 | $141,887 | 11 |
| FY2023 | – | – | – | 8 |
| FY2024 | $130,416 | $117,590 | $145,000 | 19 |
| FY2025 | $144,914 | $124,150 | $169,250 | 14 |
| FY2026 | $154,731 | $134,525 | $156,640 | 19 |
Cost of living
Phoenix's median Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary of $154,731 is worth about $149,800 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Phoenix = 103.3).
Compared with all workers here
All Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Phoenix, AZ area earned a median of $164,460 in May 2025 (160 employed). The H-1B median here is $154,731, 6% lower.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Intel | too few | 9 |
| Mclaryn Systems | too few | 5 |
| Amazon | too few | 4 |
| Arizona State University | too few | 4 |
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 | $154,731 | 14 |
| Senior · Level III | too few | 3 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-level · Level II | $154,731 | $154,731 | 14 |
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.