Research Associate II H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 797 certified H-1B filings for Research Associate II positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $71,175, which is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Associate II H-1B salaries fall between $61,008 and $82,400.
Median Salary Trend
Research Associate II salaries have grown 7% from FY 2020 ($65,312) to FY 2026 ($69,585).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Associate II
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY | 48 | $64,953 |
| CRISPR THERAPEUTICS | 22 | $86,000 |
| THE METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 16 | $72,675 |
| COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY | 16 | $65,000 |
| RUTGERS,THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY | 15 | $57,949 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA | 14 | $57,784 |
| TESSERA THERAPEUTICS | 14 | $82,400 |
| EDITAS MEDICINE | 12 | $67,954 |
| MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN | 12 | $63,149 |
| FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER | 11 | $87,000 |
Top Locations for Research Associate II
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 102 | $78,000 |
| Boston, MA | 41 | $78,860 |
| South San Francisco, CA | 33 | $84,000 |
| Newark, NJ | 30 | $63,054 |
| San Francisco, CA | 28 | $70,762 |
| Houston, TX | 27 | $68,960 |
| Seattle, WA | 26 | $82,000 |
| Somerville, MA | 26 | $82,500 |
| San Diego, CA | 24 | $63,553 |
| New Brunswick, NJ | 22 | $63,232 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate II is $71,175, based on 797 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 7% since FY 2020 ($65,312 → $69,585).
Salaries span a $35,000 range from the 10th percentile ($55,000) to the 90th percentile ($90,000). The middle 50% of Research Associate IIs earn between $61,008 and $82,400, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 48 certified filings at a median salary of $64,953. Among the top sponsors, FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER pays the highest median at $87,000. The pay spread across top employers is 51%.
Geographically, Cambridge, MA has the highest concentration of Research Associate II H-1B filings (102) at a median of $78,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is South San Francisco, CA at $84,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Associate II H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate II positions is $71,175, based on 797 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $82,400 to $90,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $55,000 to $61,008. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $55,000
- 25th percentile
- $61,008
- Median
- $71,175
- 75th percentile
- $82,400
- 90th percentile
- $90,000
Salaries range from $55,000 at the 10th percentile to $90,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $35,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $61,008 and the 75th percentile is $82,400.
Which companies hire the most Research Associate IIs on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Associate 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.
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate II positions with 48 filings at a median salary of $64,953. CRISPR THERAPEUTICS follows with 22 filings.
Where are Research Associate II H-1B jobs located?
Research Associate 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 Associate 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.
Cambridge, MA has the highest concentration of Research Associate II H-1B filings with 102 positions at a median salary of $78,000. The highest-paying location is South San Francisco, CA at $84,000 median.
How have Research Associate II salaries changed over time?
Research Associate II H-1B salaries have grown by +7% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $65,312 to $69,585 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: $74,589 (154 certified)
- FY 2023: $73,195 (135 certified)
- FY 2024: $75,000 (139 certified)
- FY 2025: $78,437 (121 certified)
- FY 2026: $69,585 (31 certified)