Associate Research Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 3,774 certified H-1B filings for Associate Research Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $79,310, which is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Associate Research Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $68,162 and $95,000.
Median Salary Trend
Associate Research Scientist salaries have grown 14% from FY 2020 ($72,300) to FY 2026 ($82,404).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Associate Research Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| YALE UNIVERSITY | 604 | $71,500 |
| COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY | 604 | $77,000 |
| EMORY UNIVERSITY | 101 | $70,500 |
| ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI | 81 | $81,581 |
| THE DOW CHEMICAL | 73 | $124,015 |
| PPD DEVELOPMENT | 57 | $76,170 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN | 56 | $90,100 |
| NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 52 | $77,563 |
| THE JACKSON LABORATORY | 52 | $70,554 |
| NYU GROSSMAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE | 50 | $76,320 |
Top Locations for Associate Research Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 823 | $78,000 |
| New Haven, CT (all jobs) | 569 | $72,000 |
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 203 | $101,379 |
| Atlanta, GA (all jobs) | 104 | $70,429 |
| Philadelphia, PA (all jobs) | 89 | $68,390 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 83 | $79,581 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 64 | $88,400 |
| Batavia, IL (all jobs) | 62 | $85,300 |
| Waltham, MA | 49 | $79,300 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 47 | $99,902 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Associate Research Scientist is $79,310, based on 3,774 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 14% since FY 2020 ($72,300 → $82,404).
Salaries span a $52,000 range from the 10th percentile ($61,500) to the 90th percentile ($113,500). The middle 50% of Associate Research Scientists earn between $68,162 and $95,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
YALE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 604 certified filings at a median salary of $71,500. Among the top sponsors, THE DOW CHEMICAL pays the highest median at $124,015. The pay spread across top employers is 76%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Associate Research Scientist H-1B filings (823) at a median of $78,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Cambridge, MA at $101,379.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Associate Research Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Associate Research Scientist positions is $79,310, based on 3,774 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $95,000 to $113,500, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $61,500 to $68,162. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $61,500
- 25th percentile
- $68,162
- Median
- $79,310
- 75th percentile
- $95,000
- 90th percentile
- $113,500
Salaries range from $61,500 at the 10th percentile to $113,500 at the 90th percentile, showing a $52,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $68,162 and the 75th percentile is $95,000.
Which companies hire the most Associate Research Scientists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Associate Research Scientist 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.
YALE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Associate Research Scientist positions with 604 filings at a median salary of $71,500. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY follows with 604 filings.
Where are Associate Research Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Associate Research Scientist 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 Scientists 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 Scientist H-1B filings with 823 positions at a median salary of $78,000. The highest-paying location is Cambridge, MA at $101,379 median.
How have Associate Research Scientist salaries changed over time?
Associate Research Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +14% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $72,300 to $82,404 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: $75,000 (567 certified)
- FY 2023: $76,253 (535 certified)
- FY 2024: $80,000 (547 certified)
- FY 2025: $85,000 (634 certified)
- FY 2026: $82,404 (450 certified)