Research Assistant II H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 138 certified H-1B filings for Research Assistant II positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $49,202, which is 62% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Assistant II H-1B salaries fall between $43,992 and $57,034.
Median Salary Trend
Research Assistant II salaries have grown 16% from FY 2020 ($45,000) to FY 2026 ($52,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Assistant II
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE | 43 | $55,000 |
| THE METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 18 | $49,202 |
| THE SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES | 11 | $40,997 |
| THE WISTAR INSTITUTE OF ANATOMY AND BIOLOGY | 8 | $45,000 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER | 7 | $38,378 |
| BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER | 6 | $44,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT | 5 | $62,000 |
| MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY | 5 | $63,000 |
| THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 5 | $60,000 |
| EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER | 3 | $57,120 |
Top Locations for Research Assistant II
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX (all jobs) | 68 | $50,590 |
| La Jolla, CA | 20 | $46,800 |
| Boston, MA | 8 | $49,462 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7 | $40,007 |
| Nashville, TN | 5 | $43,860 |
| Storrs, CT | 4 | $62,000 |
| Chicago, IL | 3 | $61,214 |
| East Lansing, MI | 3 | $63,543 |
| Salisbury Cove, ME | 2 | $46,799 |
| Denver, CO | 2 | $46,155 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Assistant II is $49,202, based on 138 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 62% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 16% since FY 2020 ($45,000 → $52,000).
Salaries span a $21,423 range from the 10th percentile ($39,791) to the 90th percentile ($61,214). The middle 50% of Research Assistant IIs earn between $43,992 and $57,034, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 43 certified filings at a median salary of $55,000. Among the top sponsors, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY pays the highest median at $63,000. The pay spread across top employers is 64%.
Geographically, Houston, TX has the highest concentration of Research Assistant II H-1B filings (68) at a median of $50,590. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is East Lansing, MI at $63,543.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Assistant II H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Assistant II positions is $49,202, based on 138 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 62% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $57,034 to $61,214, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $39,791 to $43,992. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $39,791
- 25th percentile
- $43,992
- Median
- $49,202
- 75th percentile
- $57,034
- 90th percentile
- $61,214
Salaries range from $39,791 at the 10th percentile to $61,214 at the 90th percentile, showing a $21,423 spread. The 25th percentile is $43,992 and the 75th percentile is $57,034.
Which companies hire the most Research Assistant IIs on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Assistant II 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.
BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Assistant II positions with 43 filings at a median salary of $55,000. THE METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE follows with 18 filings.
Where are Research Assistant II H-1B jobs located?
Research Assistant II 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 Assistant IIs 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.
Houston, TX has the highest concentration of Research Assistant II H-1B filings with 68 positions at a median salary of $50,590.
How have Research Assistant II salaries changed over time?
Research Assistant II H-1B salaries have grown by +16% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $45,000 to $52,000 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: $48,400 (33 certified)
- FY 2023: $57,138 (19 certified)
- FY 2024: $54,683 (18 certified)
- FY 2025: $56,299 (13 certified)
- FY 2026: $52,000 (4 certified)