Research Assistant H-1B Salary in Detroit, MI
Employers have filed 53 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Assistant positions in Detroit, MI, with a median salary of $50,960. That's about the same as the national Research Assistant H-1B median of $50,856 across all U.S. locations, and 47% lower than the Detroit, MI all-roles H-1B median of $95,430. Research Assistant ranks #23 among H-1B job titles filed from Detroit, MI.
Headline numbers for Research Assistant H-1B roles in Detroit, MI, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #6,599 by filing volume out of the 7,138 job × city combinations we track — a moderately active market for Research Assistant hiring.
Research Assistant H-1B Salary Range in Detroit, MI
The pay distribution for this role spans $24,232 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $47,278 and $60,000, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Assistants land. The median of $50,960 sits about the same as the national Research Assistant H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $40,768
- 25th percentile
- $47,278
- Median
- $50,960
- 75th percentile
- $60,000
- 90th percentile
- $65,000
Top Employers Hiring Research Assistants in Detroit, MI
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Assistant in Detroit, MI, with 48 certified filings (91% of local Research Assistant H-1B filings) at a median salary of $51,957. Among the top sponsors, DETROIT FUTURE CITY pays the highest median at $60,000. The pay spread across top employers is 86%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 86% ($32,198 at HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM to $60,000 at DETROIT FUTURE CITY)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY | 48 | $51,957 |
| HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM | 4 | $32,198 |
| DETROIT FUTURE CITY | 1 | $60,000 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Research Assistant 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 Detroit, MI, which tells you whether Research Assistant pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Research Assistant H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Research Assistant is an active H-1B role. New York, NY has the most filings (115) outside Detroit, MI. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 115 | $62,000 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 65 | $53,040 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Detroit, MI
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Detroit, MI, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Developer is the busiest non-Research Assistant role here (478 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Physician at a median of $200,000.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 478 | $90,000 |
| Software Engineer | 405 | $83,242 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 234 | $106,434 |
| Assistant Professor | 205 | $100,000 |
| Consultant | 203 | $96,408 |
| Software Engineer II | 183 | $97,032 |
| Architect | 134 | $110,000 |
| Manager | 125 | $109,000 |
| Physician | 125 | $200,000 |
| Data Engineer | 119 | $90,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Assistant in Detroit, MI is $50,960, based on 53 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is about the same as the national Research Assistant H-1B median of $50,856 across all U.S. locations. It is also 47% lower than the overall H-1B median of $95,430 in Detroit, MI across all job titles.
Salaries span a $24,232 range from the 10th percentile ($40,768) to the 90th percentile ($65,000). The middle 50% of workers earn between $47,278 and $60,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Detroit, MI, with 48 certified filings at a median salary of $51,957. Among the top employers, DETROIT FUTURE CITY pays the highest median at $60,000. The pay spread across top employers is 86%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Research Assistant H-1B roles in Detroit, MI, answered directly from 53 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 Research Assistant salary in Detroit, MI?
The median H-1B salary for Research Assistant positions in Detroit, MI is $50,960, based on 53 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $40,768
- 25th percentile
- $47,278
- Median
- $50,960
- 75th percentile
- $60,000
- 90th percentile
- $65,000
The salary distribution for Research Assistant roles in Detroit, MI shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $40,768, while the 90th percentile earns $65,000. This $24,232 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,707, Research Assistant salaries in Detroit, MI are 61% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Assistants in Detroit, MI?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Assistant positions in Detroit, MI are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Assistant roles specifically in Detroit, MI. WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY leads with 48 filings at a median salary of $51,957. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $32,198 to $60,000.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Assistant in Detroit, MI?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Assistant in Detroit, MI, 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, 53 H-1B positions for Research Assistants in Detroit, MI 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.