Research Associate H-1B Salary in Cambridge, MA
Employers have filed 314 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Associate positions in Cambridge, MA, with a median salary of $67,000. That's 4% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $64,522 across all U.S. locations, and 42% lower than the Cambridge, MA all-roles H-1B median of $115,000. Research Associate ranks #7 among H-1B job titles filed from Cambridge, MA.
Headline numbers for Research Associate H-1B roles in Cambridge, MA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #879 by filing volume out of the 6,873 job × city combinations we track — in the top quartile for Research Associate hiring.
Research Associate H-1B Salary Range in Cambridge, MA
The pay distribution for this role spans $32,543 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $59,724 and $77,625, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Associates land. The median of $67,000 sits 4% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $55,127
- 25th percentile
- $59,724
- Median
- $67,000
- 75th percentile
- $77,625
- 90th percentile
- $87,670
Top Employers Hiring Research Associates in Cambridge, MA
HARVARD UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate in Cambridge, MA, with 164 certified filings (52% of local Research Associate H-1B filings) at a median salary of $70,000. The pay spread across top employers is 30%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 30% ($53,810 at NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH to $70,000 at HARVARD UNIVERSITY)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| HARVARD UNIVERSITY | 164 | $70,000 |
| WHITEHEAD INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH | 32 | $56,827 |
| MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 22 | $68,525 |
| HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 17 | $60,000 |
| NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH | 6 | $53,810 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Research Associate 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 Cambridge, MA, which tells you whether Research Associate pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Research Associate H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Research Associate is an active H-1B role. New York, NY has the most filings (930) outside Cambridge, MA. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 930 | $73,000 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 768 | $65,292 |
| Chicago, IL | 704 | $62,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 690 | $69,209 |
| Berkeley, CA | 645 | $71,908 |
| Stanford, CA | 638 | $71,650 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 497 | $64,522 |
| Dallas, TX | 489 | $57,456 |
| Baltimore, MD | 412 | $68,500 |
| La Jolla, CA | 333 | $65,292 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Cambridge, MA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Cambridge, MA, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Engineer is the busiest non-Research Associate role here (1,330 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Senior Software Engineer at a median of $150,000.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 1,330 | $143,000 |
| Research Scientist | 1,264 | $108,000 |
| Senior Research Scientist | 605 | $122,000 |
| Associate Research Associate | 509 | $66,950 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 488 | $150,000 |
| Research Scientist II | 437 | $115,828 |
| Senior Research Associate | 291 | $86,250 |
| Software Engineer II | 262 | $133,300 |
| Principal Research Associate | 247 | $69,216 |
| Research Scientist I | 230 | $97,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate in Cambridge, MA is $67,000, based on 314 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 4% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $64,522 across all U.S. locations. It is also 42% lower than the overall H-1B median of $115,000 in Cambridge, MA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $32,543 range from the 10th percentile ($55,127) to the 90th percentile ($87,670). The middle 50% of workers earn between $59,724 and $77,625, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
HARVARD UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Cambridge, MA, with 164 certified filings at a median salary of $70,000. The pay spread across top employers is 30%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Research Associate H-1B roles in Cambridge, MA, answered directly from 314 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 Associate salary in Cambridge, MA?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate positions in Cambridge, MA is $67,000, based on 314 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $55,127
- 25th percentile
- $59,724
- Median
- $67,000
- 75th percentile
- $77,625
- 90th percentile
- $87,670
The salary distribution for Research Associate roles in Cambridge, MA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $55,127, while the 90th percentile earns $87,670. This $32,543 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,541, Research Associate salaries in Cambridge, MA are 49% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Associates in Cambridge, MA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Associate positions in Cambridge, MA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Associate roles specifically in Cambridge, MA. HARVARD UNIVERSITY leads with 164 filings at a median salary of $70,000. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $53,810 to $70,000.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in Cambridge, MA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in Cambridge, MA, 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, 314 H-1B positions for Research Associates in Cambridge, MA 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.