Associate Research Associate H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 9,500 certified H-1B filings for Associate Research Associate positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $60,000, which is 54% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Associate Research Associate H-1B salaries fall between $54,101 and $68,000.
Median Salary Trend
Associate Research Associate salaries have grown 27% from FY 2020 ($53,004) to FY 2026 ($67,475).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Associate Research Associate
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | 489 | $70,013 |
| THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY | 468 | $65,000 |
| MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 415 | $66,950 |
| UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH | 389 | $56,712 |
| CORNELL UNIVERSITY | 340 | $60,000 |
| YALE UNIVERSITY | 338 | $59,548 |
| WEILL CORNELL MEDICAL COLLEGE | 284 | $66,538 |
| UT-BATTELLE, (OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY) | 284 | $78,600 |
| WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | 274 | $58,915 |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY | 272 | $57,867 |
Top Locations for Associate Research Associate
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 569 | $67,218 |
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 509 | $66,950 |
| Pittsburgh, PA (all jobs) | 494 | $57,456 |
| Memphis, TN (all jobs) | 488 | $70,013 |
| Princeton, NJ (all jobs) | 466 | $65,000 |
| Ithaca, NY (all jobs) | 345 | $60,000 |
| Durham, NC (all jobs) | 344 | $57,846 |
| New Haven, CT (all jobs) | 314 | $60,000 |
| College Station, TX (all jobs) | 294 | $51,000 |
| Oak Ridge, TN (all jobs) | 283 | $78,288 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Associate Research Associate is $60,000, based on 9,500 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 54% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 27% since FY 2020 ($53,004 → $67,475).
Salaries span a $25,348 range from the 10th percentile ($50,004) to the 90th percentile ($75,352). The middle 50% of Associate Research Associates earn between $54,101 and $68,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 489 certified filings at a median salary of $70,013. Among the top sponsors, UT-BATTELLE, (OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY) pays the highest median at $78,600. The pay spread across top employers is 39%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Associate Research Associate H-1B filings (569) at a median of $67,218. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Oak Ridge, TN at $78,288.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Associate Research Associate H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Associate Research Associate positions is $60,000, based on 9,500 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 54% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $68,000 to $75,352, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $50,004 to $54,101. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $50,004
- 25th percentile
- $54,101
- Median
- $60,000
- 75th percentile
- $68,000
- 90th percentile
- $75,352
Salaries range from $50,004 at the 10th percentile to $75,352 at the 90th percentile, showing a $25,348 spread. The 25th percentile is $54,101 and the 75th percentile is $68,000.
Which companies hire the most Associate Research Associates on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Associate Research Associate positions is primarily driven by universities, research institutions, and academic medical centers. These employers sponsor international scholars and researchers who bring specialized expertise and contribute to teaching, research, and academic programs. Salaries vary based on institution type, geographic location, and field of specialization.
ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL is the largest H-1B sponsor for Associate Research Associate positions with 489 filings at a median salary of $70,013. THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY follows with 468 filings.
Where are Associate Research Associate H-1B jobs located?
Associate Research Associate H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Associate Research Associates across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Associate Research Associate H-1B filings with 569 positions at a median salary of $67,218. The highest-paying location is Memphis, TN at $70,013 median.
How have Associate Research Associate salaries changed over time?
Associate Research Associate H-1B salaries have grown by +27% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $53,004 to $67,475 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $56,707 (1,476 certified)
- FY 2023: $61,572 (1,473 certified)
- FY 2024: $65,000 (1,628 certified)
- FY 2025: $66,428 (1,635 certified)
- FY 2026: $67,475 (271 certified)