Investigator H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 293 certified H-1B filings for Investigator positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $80,000, which is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Investigator H-1B salaries fall between $70,000 and $100,000.
Median Salary Trend
Investigator salaries have grown 0% from FY 2020 ($82,784) to FY 2026 ($83,158).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Investigator
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL | 167 | $77,267 |
| GENERAL HOSPITAL | 57 | $85,000 |
| GLAXOSMITHKLINE | 19 | $99,102 |
| MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR ASSOCIATES | 11 | $71,406 |
| THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 5 | $94,806 |
| NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH/HHS | 4 | $128,563 |
| NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS | 3 | $128,314 |
| AI PROTEINS | 3 | $110,500 |
| MCLEAN HOSPITAL | 3 | $73,611 |
| LIEBER INSTITUTE | 2 | $120,000 |
Top Locations for Investigator
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 201 | $77,834 |
| Charlestown, MA | 25 | $80,000 |
| Collegeville, PA | 14 | $94,661 |
| Cambridge, MA | 7 | $70,000 |
| Somerville, MA | 7 | $81,848 |
| La Jolla, CA | 5 | $94,806 |
| Bethesda, MD | 4 | $128,314 |
| Waltham, MA | 3 | $114,210 |
| Baltimore, MD | 3 | $120,000 |
| Belmont, MA | 3 | $73,611 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Investigator is $80,000, based on 293 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $57,000 range from the 10th percentile ($63,000) to the 90th percentile ($120,000). The middle 50% of Investigators earn between $70,000 and $100,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 167 certified filings at a median salary of $77,267. Among the top sponsors, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH/HHS pays the highest median at $128,563. The pay spread across top employers is 80%.
Geographically, Boston, MA has the highest concentration of Investigator H-1B filings (201) at a median of $77,834. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Bethesda, MD at $128,314.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Investigator H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Investigator positions is $80,000, based on 293 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $100,000 to $120,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $63,000 to $70,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $63,000
- 25th percentile
- $70,000
- Median
- $80,000
- 75th percentile
- $100,000
- 90th percentile
- $120,000
Salaries range from $63,000 at the 10th percentile to $120,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $57,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $70,000 and the 75th percentile is $100,000.
Which companies hire the most Investigators on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Investigator 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.
BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL is the largest H-1B sponsor for Investigator positions with 167 filings at a median salary of $77,267. GENERAL HOSPITAL follows with 57 filings.
Where are Investigator H-1B jobs located?
Investigator 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 Investigators 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.
Boston, MA has the highest concentration of Investigator H-1B filings with 201 positions at a median salary of $77,834. The highest-paying location is Collegeville, PA at $94,661 median.
How have Investigator salaries changed over time?
Investigator H-1B salaries have changed by 0% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $82,784 to $83,158 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: $78,000 (49 certified)
- FY 2023: $75,000 (43 certified)
- FY 2024: $77,267 (33 certified)
- FY 2025: $88,899 (59 certified)
- FY 2026: $83,158 (33 certified)