Research Associate I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 415 certified H-1B filings for Research Associate I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $61,008, which is 53% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Associate I H-1B salaries fall between $52,000 and $70,931.
Median Salary Trend
Research Associate I salaries have grown 38% from FY 2020 ($53,581) to FY 2026 ($73,965).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Associate I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA | 68 | $56,206 |
| THE METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 38 | $67,481 |
| UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI | 21 | $45,822 |
| RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY | 21 | $74,799 |
| MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN | 18 | $53,400 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT | 14 | $70,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL | 9 | $44,000 |
| PALO ALTO VETERANS INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH | 8 | $71,053 |
| EVIDERA | 8 | $67,350 |
| UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS CHAN MEDICAL SCHOOL | 8 | $47,117 |
Top Locations for Research Associate I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ (all jobs) | 62 | $56,206 |
| Houston, TX | 45 | $65,969 |
| Milwaukee, WI | 19 | $53,134 |
| Miami, FL | 18 | $45,822 |
| Worcester, MA | 17 | $45,286 |
| Boston, MA | 14 | $71,532 |
| Newark, NJ | 12 | $74,332 |
| Waltham, MA | 10 | $73,195 |
| New Brunswick, NJ | 10 | $78,637 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 9 | $71,053 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate I is $61,008, based on 415 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 53% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 38% since FY 2020 ($53,581 → $73,965).
Salaries span a $32,330 range from the 10th percentile ($45,822) to the 90th percentile ($78,152). The middle 50% of Research Associate Is earn between $52,000 and $70,931, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 68 certified filings at a median salary of $56,206. Among the top sponsors, RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY pays the highest median at $74,799. The pay spread across top employers is 70%.
Geographically, Tucson, AZ has the highest concentration of Research Associate I H-1B filings (62) at a median of $56,206. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is New Brunswick, NJ at $78,637.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Associate I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate I positions is $61,008, based on 415 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 53% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $70,931 to $78,152, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $45,822 to $52,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $45,822
- 25th percentile
- $52,000
- Median
- $61,008
- 75th percentile
- $70,931
- 90th percentile
- $78,152
Salaries range from $45,822 at the 10th percentile to $78,152 at the 90th percentile, showing a $32,330 spread. The 25th percentile is $52,000 and the 75th percentile is $70,931.
Which companies hire the most Research Associate Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Associate I 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 UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate I positions with 68 filings at a median salary of $56,206. THE METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE follows with 38 filings.
Where are Research Associate I H-1B jobs located?
Research Associate I 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 Associate Is 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.
Tucson, AZ has the highest concentration of Research Associate I H-1B filings with 62 positions at a median salary of $56,206. The highest-paying location is Houston, TX at $65,969 median.
How have Research Associate I salaries changed over time?
Research Associate I H-1B salaries have grown by +38% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $53,581 to $73,965 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: $60,010 (72 certified)
- FY 2023: $57,330 (59 certified)
- FY 2024: $62,000 (82 certified)
- FY 2025: $69,834 (75 certified)
- FY 2026: $73,965 (10 certified)