Lead Research Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 427 certified H-1B filings for Lead Research Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $123,240, which is 6% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Lead Research Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $93,621 and $154,669.
Median Salary Trend
Lead Research Scientist salaries have grown 45% from FY 2020 ($120,100) to FY 2026 ($174,678).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Lead Research Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| TARGET ENTERPRISE | 19 | $131,186 |
| GENERAL ELECTRIC | 17 | $141,000 |
| ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | 14 | $125,840 |
| EUROFINS LANCASTER LABORATORIES PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIFIC SERVICES | 10 | $72,571 |
| SALESFORCE | 9 | $199,395 |
| KIMBERLY-CLARK USA | 9 | $87,901 |
| AT&T | 9 | $190,181 |
| ISO NEW ENGLAND | 8 | $141,041 |
| GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE | 8 | $118,200 |
| FACTORY MUTUAL INSURANCE | 6 | $122,096 |
Top Locations for Lead Research Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Niskayuna, NY | 19 | $134,500 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 17 | $145,288 |
| Memphis, TN | 14 | $125,840 |
| New York, NY | 13 | $149,350 |
| Chicago, IL | 13 | $127,504 |
| Cambridge, MA | 11 | $122,500 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 9 | $106,205 |
| San Diego, CA | 9 | $139,568 |
| Waukesha, WI | 9 | $116,142 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 8 | $246,980 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Research Scientist is $123,240, based on 427 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 6% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 45% since FY 2020 ($120,100 → $174,678).
Salaries span a $112,202 range from the 10th percentile ($77,979) to the 90th percentile ($190,181). The middle 50% of Lead Research Scientists earn between $93,621 and $154,669, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
TARGET ENTERPRISE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 19 certified filings at a median salary of $131,186. Among the top sponsors, SALESFORCE pays the highest median at $199,395. The pay spread across top employers is 175%.
Geographically, Niskayuna, NY has the highest concentration of Lead Research Scientist H-1B filings (19) at a median of $134,500. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Palo Alto, CA at $246,980.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lead Research Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Research Scientist positions is $123,240, based on 427 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 6% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $154,669 to $190,181, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $77,979 to $93,621. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $77,979
- 25th percentile
- $93,621
- Median
- $123,240
- 75th percentile
- $154,669
- 90th percentile
- $190,181
Salaries range from $77,979 at the 10th percentile to $190,181 at the 90th percentile, showing a $112,202 spread. The 25th percentile is $93,621 and the 75th percentile is $154,669.
Which companies hire the most Lead Research Scientists on H-1B?
Healthcare organizations, hospitals, and medical systems are the primary H-1B sponsors for Lead Research Scientist positions. These employers seek qualified international professionals to address workforce needs in patient care, medical research, and specialized clinical services. Compensation reflects regional healthcare markets and specialty demands.
TARGET ENTERPRISE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Research Scientist positions with 19 filings at a median salary of $131,186. GENERAL ELECTRIC follows with 17 filings.
Where are Lead Research Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Lead 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 Lead 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.
Niskayuna, NY has the highest concentration of Lead Research Scientist H-1B filings with 19 positions at a median salary of $134,500. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $149,350 median.
How have Lead Research Scientist salaries changed over time?
Lead Research Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +45% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $120,100 to $174,678 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: $122,096 (51 certified)
- FY 2023: $124,946 (69 certified)
- FY 2024: $125,840 (82 certified)
- FY 2025: $125,840 (93 certified)
- FY 2026: $174,678 (10 certified)