Research Associate H-1B Salary in Chapel Hill, NC
Employers have filed 132 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Associate positions in Chapel Hill, NC, with a median salary of $62,608. That's 4% lower than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $65,000 across all U.S. locations, and 27% lower than the Chapel Hill, NC all-roles H-1B median of $86,000. Research Associate ranks #3 among H-1B job titles filed from Chapel Hill, NC.
Headline numbers for Research Associate H-1B roles in Chapel Hill, NC, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #2,528 by filing volume out of the 7,138 job × city combinations we track — a moderately active market for Research Associate hiring.
Research Associate H-1B Salary Range in Chapel Hill, NC
The pay distribution for this role spans $26,484 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $56,430 and $72,000, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Associates land. The median of $62,608 sits 4% lower than the national Research Associate H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $52,632
- 25th percentile
- $56,430
- Median
- $62,608
- 75th percentile
- $72,000
- 90th percentile
- $79,116
Top Employers Hiring Research Associates in Chapel Hill, NC
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate in Chapel Hill, NC, with 130 certified filings (98% of local Research Associate H-1B filings) at a median salary of $62,608. Among the top sponsors, HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE pays the highest median at $66,000. The pay spread across top employers is 32%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 32% ($49,850 at NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY to $66,000 at HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL | 130 | $62,608 |
| NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | 1 | $49,850 |
| HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 1 | $66,000 |
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 Chapel Hill, NC, 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 (964) outside Chapel Hill, NC. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 964 | $73,200 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 796 | $65,375 |
| Chicago, IL | 731 | $62,500 |
| San Francisco, CA | 715 | $69,209 |
| Berkeley, CA | 666 | $72,162 |
| Stanford, CA | 655 | $71,650 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 511 | $64,750 |
| Dallas, TX | 495 | $57,500 |
| Baltimore, MD | 428 | $69,098 |
| La Jolla, CA | 343 | $65,292 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Chapel Hill, NC
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Chapel Hill, NC, ranked by certified filing volume. Assistant Professor is the busiest non-Research Associate role here (225 filings).
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 225 | $110,000 |
| Associate Research Associate | 143 | $58,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate in Chapel Hill, NC is $62,608, based on 132 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 4% lower than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $65,000 across all U.S. locations. It is also 27% lower than the overall H-1B median of $86,000 in Chapel Hill, NC across all job titles.
Salaries span a $26,484 range from the 10th percentile ($52,632) to the 90th percentile ($79,116). The middle 50% of workers earn between $56,430 and $72,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Chapel Hill, NC, with 130 certified filings at a median salary of $62,608. Among the top employers, HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE pays the highest median at $66,000. The pay spread across top employers is 32%, 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 Chapel Hill, NC, answered directly from 132 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 Chapel Hill, NC?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate positions in Chapel Hill, NC is $62,608, based on 132 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $52,632
- 25th percentile
- $56,430
- Median
- $62,608
- 75th percentile
- $72,000
- 90th percentile
- $79,116
The salary distribution for Research Associate roles in Chapel Hill, NC shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $52,632, while the 90th percentile earns $79,116. This $26,484 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,707, Research Associate salaries in Chapel Hill, NC are 52% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Associates in Chapel Hill, NC?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Associate positions in Chapel Hill, NC are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Associate roles specifically in Chapel Hill, NC. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL leads with 130 filings at a median salary of $62,608. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $49,850 to $66,000.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in Chapel Hill, NC?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in Chapel Hill, NC, 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, 132 H-1B positions for Research Associates in Chapel Hill, NC 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.