Research Assistant H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 696 certified H-1B filings for Research Assistant positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $50,856, which is 61% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Assistant H-1B salaries fall between $44,595 and $58,616.
Median Salary Trend
Research Assistant salaries have grown 18% from FY 2020 ($47,278) to FY 2026 ($56,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Assistant
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER | 63 | $53,040 |
| MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER | 51 | $67,000 |
| WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY | 49 | $51,957 |
| WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | 40 | $50,886 |
| THE ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY | 31 | $50,000 |
| NATIONAL BUREAU OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH | 24 | $56,000 |
| THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA | 20 | $45,573 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA | 17 | $45,822 |
| NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | 16 | $59,405 |
| UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH | 16 | $35,704 |
Top Locations for Research Assistant
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 115 | $62,000 |
| Cincinnati, OH (all jobs) | 65 | $53,040 |
| Detroit, MI (all jobs) | 53 | $50,960 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 30 | $50,045 |
| Washington, DC | 27 | $50,000 |
| St. Louis, MO | 25 | $50,856 |
| Cambridge, MA | 21 | $56,000 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 16 | $35,704 |
| Iowa City, IA | 16 | $47,000 |
| Raleigh, NC | 15 | $57,574 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Assistant is $50,856, based on 696 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 61% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 18% since FY 2020 ($47,278 → $56,000).
Salaries span a $30,685 range from the 10th percentile ($37,315) to the 90th percentile ($68,000). The middle 50% of Research Assistants earn between $44,595 and $58,616, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 63 certified filings at a median salary of $53,040. Among the top sponsors, MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER pays the highest median at $67,000. The pay spread across top employers is 88%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Research Assistant H-1B filings (115) at a median of $62,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Assistant H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Assistant positions is $50,856, based on 696 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 61% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $58,616 to $68,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $37,315 to $44,595. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $37,315
- 25th percentile
- $44,595
- Median
- $50,856
- 75th percentile
- $58,616
- 90th percentile
- $68,000
Salaries range from $37,315 at the 10th percentile to $68,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $30,685 spread. The 25th percentile is $44,595 and the 75th percentile is $58,616.
Which companies hire the most Research Assistants on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Assistant 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.
CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Assistant positions with 63 filings at a median salary of $53,040. MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER follows with 51 filings.
Where are Research Assistant H-1B jobs located?
Research Assistant 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 Assistants 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.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Research Assistant H-1B filings with 115 positions at a median salary of $62,000.
How have Research Assistant salaries changed over time?
Research Assistant H-1B salaries have grown by +18% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $47,278 to $56,000 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: $50,000 (104 certified)
- FY 2023: $51,293 (106 certified)
- FY 2024: $53,300 (99 certified)
- FY 2025: $54,101 (98 certified)
- FY 2026: $56,000 (51 certified)