Research Associate H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 16,621 certified H-1B filings for Research Associate positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $65,000, which is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Associate H-1B salaries fall between $57,456 and $74,000.
Median Salary Trend
Research Associate salaries have grown 23% from FY 2020 ($59,100) to FY 2026 ($72,761).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Associate
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY | 682 | $71,650 |
| TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | 670 | $66,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO | 624 | $69,209 |
| NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | 495 | $64,356 |
| UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER | 469 | $57,456 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | 368 | $70,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO | 349 | $65,292 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | 343 | $60,000 |
| MAYO CLINIC | 338 | $69,888 |
| HARVARD UNIVERSITY | 326 | $77,500 |
Top Locations for Research Associate
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 964 | $73,200 |
| Philadelphia, PA (all jobs) | 796 | $65,375 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 731 | $62,500 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 715 | $69,209 |
| Berkeley, CA (all jobs) | 666 | $72,162 |
| Stanford, CA (all jobs) | 655 | $71,650 |
| Los Angeles, CA (all jobs) | 511 | $64,750 |
| Dallas, TX (all jobs) | 495 | $57,500 |
| Baltimore, MD (all jobs) | 428 | $69,098 |
| La Jolla, CA (all jobs) | 343 | $65,292 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate is $65,000, based on 16,621 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 23% since FY 2020 ($59,100 → $72,761).
Salaries span a $32,323 range from the 10th percentile ($52,000) to the 90th percentile ($84,323). The middle 50% of Research Associates earn between $57,456 and $74,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 682 certified filings at a median salary of $71,650. Among the top sponsors, HARVARD UNIVERSITY pays the highest median at $77,500. The pay spread across top employers is 35%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Research Associate H-1B filings (964) at a median of $73,200.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Associate H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate positions is $65,000, based on 16,621 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $74,000 to $84,323, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $52,000 to $57,456. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $52,000
- 25th percentile
- $57,456
- Median
- $65,000
- 75th percentile
- $74,000
- 90th percentile
- $84,323
Salaries range from $52,000 at the 10th percentile to $84,323 at the 90th percentile, showing a $32,323 spread. The 25th percentile is $57,456 and the 75th percentile is $74,000.
Which companies hire the most Research Associates on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Associate 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.
THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate positions with 682 filings at a median salary of $71,650. TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA follows with 670 filings.
Where are Research Associate H-1B jobs located?
Research Associate 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 Associates 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 Associate H-1B filings with 964 positions at a median salary of $73,200.
How have Research Associate salaries changed over time?
Research Associate H-1B salaries have grown by +23% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $59,100 to $72,761 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: $62,400 (2,530 certified)
- FY 2023: $65,374 (2,564 certified)
- FY 2024: $68,460 (2,570 certified)
- FY 2025: $71,769 (2,637 certified)
- FY 2026: $72,761 (983 certified)