H-1B Lottery Odds for Data Scientists in Michigan

FY2027 estimated selection probability · SOC 15-2051

Estimated selection odds

52%

Typical salary$130,000

Wage levelLevel 4 - Fully Competent

vs. average (27%)+25%

Why Level 4 - Fully Competent in Michigan?

Michigan is a mid-cost-of-living state. The typical Data Scientist salary here is around $130,000, which places this role at Level 4 - Fully Competent (67th+ percentile of prevailing wages) based on Michigan's prevailing wage thresholds.

Under USCIS's weighted selection system, Level 4 - Fully Competent registrations receive a 3.7x selection weight compared to Level 1 entry wages. This translates to an estimated 52% base selection rate.

Michigan wage thresholds (all occupations avg.)

Level 1

≤ $52,000

Level 2

≤ $77,000

Level 3

≤ $110,000

Level 4

> $110,000

What if you have a US Master's degree?

Without Master's

52%

Regular pool only

With US Master's

79.3%

Two pools (+27.3%)

With a US master's or higher, you enter the 20,000 advanced-degree pool first. If not selected there, you roll into the 65,000 regular cap pool. This compound probability gives Data Scientists in Michigan a 27.3 percentage point boost.

How Michigan compares for Data Scientists

The same occupation can have very different odds depending on where you work. Higher prevailing wages in expensive states mean your salary maps to a lower wage level, potentially reducing your odds.

Michigan

$130,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent

52%

California

$170,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent

52%

Texas

$130,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent

52%

Illinois

$130,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent

52%

Ohio

$130,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent

52%

Tips for Data Scientists in Michigan

›A US Master's degree gives you two chances: the 20,000 master's cap pool plus the 65,000 regular pool.
›Your wage level is strong. Focus on ensuring your employer files the registration correctly and on time.
›The lottery is annual. If not selected this year, you can re-enter next fiscal year.