Mid-level Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Phoenix, AZ
Based on 14 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level II 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 | $144,914 |
| 25th | $144,914 |
| 50th (median) | $154,731 |
| 75th | $154,731 |
| 90th | $158,419 |
Cost of living
Phoenix's median mid-level 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.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Mclaryn Systems | too few | 5 |
| Amazon | 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.