Principal Research Scientist H-1B Salary in Cambridge, MA
Employers have filed 182 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Principal Research Scientist positions in Cambridge, MA, with a median salary of $127,712. That's 6% lower than the national Principal Research Scientist H-1B median of $135,533 across all U.S. locations, and 11% higher than the Cambridge, MA all-roles H-1B median of $115,000. Principal Research Scientist ranks #13 among H-1B job titles filed from Cambridge, MA.
Headline numbers for Principal Research Scientist H-1B roles in Cambridge, MA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #1,705 by filing volume out of the 6,873 job × city combinations we track — in the top quartile for Principal Research Scientist hiring.
Principal Research Scientist H-1B Salary Range in Cambridge, MA
The pay distribution for this role spans $79,816 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $108,410 and $155,000, the interquartile range where most experienced Principal Research Scientists land. The median of $127,712 sits 6% lower than the national Principal Research Scientist H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $91,374
- 25th percentile
- $108,410
- Median
- $127,712
- 75th percentile
- $155,000
- 90th percentile
- $171,190
Top Employers Hiring Principal Research Scientists in Cambridge, MA
NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH is the largest H-1B sponsor for Principal Research Scientist in Cambridge, MA, with 73 certified filings (40% of local Principal Research Scientist H-1B filings) at a median salary of $113,214. Among the top sponsors, MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC RESEARCH LABORATORIES pays the highest median at $156,012. The pay spread across top employers is 46%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 46% ($107,099 at PFIZER to $156,012 at MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC RESEARCH LABORATORIES)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH | 73 | $113,214 |
| PFIZER | 10 | $107,099 |
| ALNYLAM US | 8 | $116,000 |
| SANOFI US SERVICES | 7 | $126,006 |
| MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC RESEARCH LABORATORIES | 5 | $156,012 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Principal Research Scientist H-1B median across every U.S. location — a measure of how local cost-of-living and market demand shift pay up or down. The second is the all-roles H-1B median in Cambridge, MA, which tells you whether Principal Research Scientist pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Principal Research Scientist H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Principal Research Scientist is an active H-1B role. Boston, MA has the most filings (56) outside Cambridge, MA. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | 56 | $132,302 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Cambridge, MA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Cambridge, MA, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Engineer is the busiest non-Principal Research Scientist role here (1,330 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Senior Software Engineer at a median of $150,000.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 1,330 | $143,000 |
| Research Scientist | 1,264 | $108,000 |
| Senior Research Scientist | 605 | $122,000 |
| Associate Research Associate | 509 | $66,950 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 488 | $150,000 |
| Research Scientist II | 437 | $115,828 |
| Research Associate | 314 | $67,000 |
| Senior Research Associate | 291 | $86,250 |
| Software Engineer II | 262 | $133,300 |
| Principal Research Associate | 247 | $69,216 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Principal Research Scientist in Cambridge, MA is $127,712, based on 182 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 6% lower than the national Principal Research Scientist H-1B median of $135,533 across all U.S. locations. It is also 11% higher than the overall H-1B median of $115,000 in Cambridge, MA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $79,816 range from the 10th percentile ($91,374) to the 90th percentile ($171,190). The middle 50% of workers earn between $108,410 and $155,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Cambridge, MA, with 73 certified filings at a median salary of $113,214. Among the top employers, MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC RESEARCH LABORATORIES pays the highest median at $156,012. The pay spread across top employers is 46%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Principal Research Scientist H-1B roles in Cambridge, MA, answered directly from 182 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Every answer below cites the specific data point it's based on.
What is the average Principal Research Scientist salary in Cambridge, MA?
The median H-1B salary for Principal Research Scientist positions in Cambridge, MA is $127,712, based on 182 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $91,374
- 25th percentile
- $108,410
- Median
- $127,712
- 75th percentile
- $155,000
- 90th percentile
- $171,190
The salary distribution for Principal Research Scientist roles in Cambridge, MA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $91,374, while the 90th percentile earns $171,190. This $79,816 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,541, Principal Research Scientist salaries in Cambridge, MA are 2% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Principal Research Scientists in Cambridge, MA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Principal Research Scientist positions in Cambridge, MA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Principal Research Scientist roles specifically in Cambridge, MA. NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH leads with 73 filings at a median salary of $113,214. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $107,099 to $156,012.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Principal Research Scientist in Cambridge, MA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Principal Research Scientist in Cambridge, MA, you'll need a sponsoring employer. The process involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa
- The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor
- Once the LCA is certified, the employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS
- If selected in the H-1B lottery (if applicable) and approved, you can begin work
Based on our data, 182 H-1B positions for Principal Research Scientists in Cambridge, MA have been certified, indicating strong demand for this role. The top sponsors listed above have a track record of successful H-1B sponsorship for this position.