Associate Specialist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 342 certified H-1B filings for Associate Specialist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $72,300, which is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Associate Specialist H-1B salaries fall between $67,400 and $78,500.
Median Salary Trend
Associate Specialist salaries have grown 29% from FY 2020 ($64,700) to FY 2026 ($83,600).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Associate Specialist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO | 233 | $72,300 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE | 35 | $71,300 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA BARBARA | 13 | $72,700 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS | 11 | $73,000 |
| SYNECHRON | 9 | $115,000 |
| REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT RIVERSIDE | 8 | $70,700 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | 7 | $78,500 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ | 6 | $77,500 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED | 5 | $65,200 |
| SOTHEBY'S | 2 | $62,000 |
Top Locations for Associate Specialist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 232 | $72,300 |
| Irvine, CA | 33 | $72,300 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 14 | $76,900 |
| Riverside, CA | 13 | $66,000 |
| Davis, CA | 8 | $73,000 |
| Berkeley, CA | 7 | $78,500 |
| New York, NY | 3 | $62,000 |
| Charlotte, NC | 3 | $111,000 |
| Merced, CA | 3 | $65,200 |
| Atwater, CA | 2 | $62,300 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Associate Specialist is $72,300, based on 342 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 29% since FY 2020 ($64,700 → $83,600).
Salaries span a $21,600 range from the 10th percentile ($63,400) to the 90th percentile ($85,000). The middle 50% of Associate Specialists earn between $67,400 and $78,500, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 233 certified filings at a median salary of $72,300. Among the top sponsors, SYNECHRON pays the highest median at $115,000. The pay spread across top employers is 85%.
Geographically, San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Associate Specialist H-1B filings (232) at a median of $72,300. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Charlotte, NC at $111,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Associate Specialist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Associate Specialist positions is $72,300, based on 342 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $78,500 to $85,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $63,400 to $67,400. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $63,400
- 25th percentile
- $67,400
- Median
- $72,300
- 75th percentile
- $78,500
- 90th percentile
- $85,000
Salaries range from $63,400 at the 10th percentile to $85,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $21,600 spread. The 25th percentile is $67,400 and the 75th percentile is $78,500.
Which companies hire the most Associate Specialists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Associate Specialist 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.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO is the largest H-1B sponsor for Associate Specialist positions with 233 filings at a median salary of $72,300. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE follows with 35 filings.
Where are Associate Specialist H-1B jobs located?
Associate Specialist 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 Specialists 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.
San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Associate Specialist H-1B filings with 232 positions at a median salary of $72,300. The highest-paying location is Santa Barbara, CA at $76,900 median.
How have Associate Specialist salaries changed over time?
Associate Specialist H-1B salaries have grown by +29% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $64,700 to $83,600 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: $70,700 (49 certified)
- FY 2023: $72,700 (44 certified)
- FY 2024: $76,900 (46 certified)
- FY 2025: $80,700 (56 certified)
- FY 2026: $83,600 (21 certified)