Clinical Research Associate H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 154 certified H-1B filings for Clinical Research Associate positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $69,000, which is 47% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Clinical Research Associate H-1B salaries fall between $59,322 and $80,891.
Median Salary Trend
Clinical Research Associate salaries have grown -7% from FY 2020 ($69,000) to FY 2026 ($63,960).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Clinical Research Associate
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | 36 | $68,182 |
| BIOPHARMA INFORMATIC | 7 | $57,366 |
| ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI | 6 | $65,000 |
| WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | 6 | $64,356 |
| BIOPHARMA INFORMATIC | 5 | $60,341 |
| CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER | 4 | $52,125 |
| ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 4 | $36,275 |
| THE VERITAS HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS | 4 | $92,019 |
| UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA | 4 | $56,000 |
| BIORASI | 3 | $73,174 |
Top Locations for Clinical Research Associate
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 40 | $62,546 |
| New York, NY | 13 | $69,000 |
| Houston, TX | 12 | $60,341 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 6 | $53,726 |
| St. Louis, MO | 5 | $61,572 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 4 | $104,000 |
| Tampa, FL | 4 | $56,000 |
| Boston, MA | 3 | $59,716 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 3 | $75,000 |
| Omaha, NE | 3 | $47,133 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Clinical Research Associate is $69,000, based on 154 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 47% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -7% since FY 2020 ($69,000 → $63,960).
Salaries span a $42,077 range from the 10th percentile ($53,698) to the 90th percentile ($95,775). The middle 50% of Clinical Research Associates earn between $59,322 and $80,891, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 36 certified filings at a median salary of $68,182. Among the top sponsors, THE VERITAS HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS pays the highest median at $92,019. The pay spread across top employers is 154%.
Geographically, Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of Clinical Research Associate H-1B filings (40) at a median of $62,546. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Philadelphia, PA at $104,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Clinical Research Associate H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Clinical Research Associate positions is $69,000, based on 154 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 47% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $80,891 to $95,775, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $53,698 to $59,322. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $53,698
- 25th percentile
- $59,322
- Median
- $69,000
- 75th percentile
- $80,891
- 90th percentile
- $95,775
Salaries range from $53,698 at the 10th percentile to $95,775 at the 90th percentile, showing a $42,077 spread. The 25th percentile is $59,322 and the 75th percentile is $80,891.
Which companies hire the most Clinical Research Associates on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Clinical 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.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Clinical Research Associate positions with 36 filings at a median salary of $68,182. BIOPHARMA INFORMATIC follows with 7 filings.
Where are Clinical Research Associate H-1B jobs located?
Clinical 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 Clinical 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.
Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of Clinical Research Associate H-1B filings with 40 positions at a median salary of $62,546. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $69,000 median.
How have Clinical Research Associate salaries changed over time?
Clinical Research Associate H-1B salaries have changed by -7% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $69,000 to $63,960 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: $71,985 (31 certified)
- FY 2023: $75,000 (14 certified)
- FY 2024: $62,546 (27 certified)
- FY 2025: $71,564 (31 certified)
- FY 2026: $63,960 (1 certified)