Research And Development Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 128 certified H-1B filings for Research And Development Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $97,427, which is 25% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research And Development Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $82,915 and $114,691.
Median Salary Trend
Research And Development Engineer salaries have grown 71% from FY 2020 ($87,550) to FY 2026 ($150,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research And Development Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| FANUC AMERICA | 12 | $104,514 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS | 8 | $92,500 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES | 7 | $95,000 |
| COLLINEAR AI | 4 | $150,000 |
| VEROTECH SOLUTIONS | 3 | $85,280 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE | 3 | $106,704 |
| INTELLECTT | 3 | $99,840 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | 3 | $67,108 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA BARBARA | 3 | $120,000 |
| NXP USA | 2 | $127,000 |
Top Locations for Research And Development Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester Hills, MI | 12 | $104,514 |
| Davis, CA | 8 | $92,500 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 8 | $95,000 |
| Houston, TX | 5 | $119,000 |
| Austin, TX | 4 | $126,277 |
| Milpitas, CA | 3 | $105,000 |
| Riverside, CA | 3 | $106,704 |
| Berkeley, CA | 3 | $67,108 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 3 | $120,000 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 3 | $85,280 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research And Development Engineer is $97,427, based on 128 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 25% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 71% since FY 2020 ($87,550 → $150,000).
Salaries span a $78,926 range from the 10th percentile ($71,074) to the 90th percentile ($150,000). The middle 50% of Research And Development Engineers earn between $82,915 and $114,691, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
FANUC AMERICA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 12 certified filings at a median salary of $104,514. Among the top sponsors, COLLINEAR AI pays the highest median at $150,000. The pay spread across top employers is 124%.
Geographically, Rochester Hills, MI has the highest concentration of Research And Development Engineer H-1B filings (12) at a median of $104,514. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Austin, TX at $126,277.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research And Development Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research And Development Engineer positions is $97,427, based on 128 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 25% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $114,691 to $150,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $71,074 to $82,915. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $71,074
- 25th percentile
- $82,915
- Median
- $97,427
- 75th percentile
- $114,691
- 90th percentile
- $150,000
Salaries range from $71,074 at the 10th percentile to $150,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $78,926 spread. The 25th percentile is $82,915 and the 75th percentile is $114,691.
Which companies hire the most Research And Development Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research And Development Engineer 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.
FANUC AMERICA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research And Development Engineer positions with 12 filings at a median salary of $104,514. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS follows with 8 filings.
Where are Research And Development Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Research And Development Engineer 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 Research And Development Engineers 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.
Rochester Hills, MI has the highest concentration of Research And Development Engineer H-1B filings with 12 positions at a median salary of $104,514. The highest-paying location is Austin, TX at $126,277 median.
How have Research And Development Engineer salaries changed over time?
Research And Development Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +71% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $87,550 to $150,000 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: $97,427 (16 certified)
- FY 2023: $99,564 (21 certified)
- FY 2024: $100,000 (28 certified)
- FY 2025: $104,514 (25 certified)
- FY 2026: $150,000 (4 certified)