Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Santa Maria, CA
Based on 14 certified H-1B filings in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Goleta, Santa Barbara.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $165,000 |
| 25th | $170,500 |
| 50th (median) | $182,300 |
| 75th | $193,000 |
| 90th | $202,400 |
Cost of living
Santa Maria's median Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary of $182,300 is worth about $167,600 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Santa Maria = 108.8).
Compared with all workers here
All Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Santa Maria, CA area earned a median of $171,880 in May 2025 (70 employed). The H-1B median here is $182,300, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| $183,000 | 13 |
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 | 5 |
| Mid-level · Level II | too few | 5 |
| Senior · Level III | – | 0 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.