Research Associate H-1B Salary in Iowa City, IA
Employers have filed 190 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Associate positions in Iowa City, IA, with a median salary of $57,510. That's 12% lower than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $65,000 across all U.S. locations, and 27% lower than the Iowa City, IA all-roles H-1B median of $78,562. Research Associate ranks #2 among H-1B job titles filed from Iowa City, IA.
Headline numbers for Research Associate H-1B roles in Iowa City, IA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #1,675 by filing volume out of the 7,138 job × city combinations we track — in the top quartile for Research Associate hiring.
Research Associate H-1B Salary Range in Iowa City, IA
The pay distribution for this role spans $15,121 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $54,059 and $62,300, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Associates land. The median of $57,510 sits 12% lower than the national Research Associate H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $52,703
- 25th percentile
- $54,059
- Median
- $57,510
- 75th percentile
- $62,300
- 90th percentile
- $67,824
Top Employers Hiring Research Associates in Iowa City, IA
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate in Iowa City, IA, with 187 certified filings (98% of local Research Associate H-1B filings) at a median salary of $57,456. Among the top sponsors, HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE pays the highest median at $64,000. The pay spread across top employers is 11%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 11% ($57,456 at THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA to $64,000 at HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA | 187 | $57,456 |
| HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 3 | $64,000 |
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 Iowa City, IA, 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 Iowa City, IA. 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 Iowa City, IA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Iowa City, IA, ranked by certified filing volume. Assistant Professor is the busiest non-Research Associate role here (494 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Associate Professor at a median of $224,515.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 494 | $186,850 |
| Principal Physician | 176 | $73,600 |
| Research Scientist | 119 | $67,596 |
| Staff Physician | 108 | $66,000 |
| Associate Professor | 75 | $224,515 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate in Iowa City, IA is $57,510, based on 190 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 12% 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 $78,562 in Iowa City, IA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $15,121 range from the 10th percentile ($52,703) to the 90th percentile ($67,824). The middle 50% of workers earn between $54,059 and $62,300, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Iowa City, IA, with 187 certified filings at a median salary of $57,456. Among the top employers, HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE pays the highest median at $64,000. The pay spread across top employers is 11%, 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 Iowa City, IA, answered directly from 190 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 Iowa City, IA?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate positions in Iowa City, IA is $57,510, based on 190 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $52,703
- 25th percentile
- $54,059
- Median
- $57,510
- 75th percentile
- $62,300
- 90th percentile
- $67,824
The salary distribution for Research Associate roles in Iowa City, IA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $52,703, while the 90th percentile earns $67,824. This $15,121 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 Iowa City, IA are 56% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Associates in Iowa City, IA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Associate positions in Iowa City, IA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Associate roles specifically in Iowa City, IA. THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA leads with 187 filings at a median salary of $57,456. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $57,456 to $64,000.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in Iowa City, IA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in Iowa City, IA, 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, 190 H-1B positions for Research Associates in Iowa City, IA 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.