Research Associate H-1B Salary in La Jolla, CA
Employers have filed 333 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Associate positions in La Jolla, CA, with a median salary of $65,292. That's 1% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $64,522 across all U.S. locations, and 13% lower than the La Jolla, CA all-roles H-1B median of $75,300. Research Associate ranks #1 among H-1B job titles filed from La Jolla, CA.
Headline numbers for Research Associate H-1B roles in La Jolla, CA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #799 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 La Jolla, CA
The pay distribution for this role spans $19,871 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $60,780 and $74,425, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Associates land. The median of $65,292 sits 1% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $57,456
- 25th percentile
- $60,780
- Median
- $65,292
- 75th percentile
- $74,425
- 90th percentile
- $77,327
Top Employers Hiring Research Associates in La Jolla, CA
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate in La Jolla, CA, with 324 certified filings (97% of local Research Associate H-1B filings) at a median salary of $65,292. Among the top sponsors, KYOWA KIRIN pays the highest median at $82,000. The pay spread across top employers is 37%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 37% ($60,000 at LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY to $82,000 at KYOWA KIRIN)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO | 324 | $65,292 |
| HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 2 | $76,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON | 2 | $80,000 |
| KYOWA KIRIN | 2 | $82,000 |
| LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY | 1 | $60,000 |
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 La Jolla, CA, 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 La Jolla, CA. 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 |
| Seattle, WA | 321 | $65,004 |
Other H-1B Jobs in La Jolla, CA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from La Jolla, CA, ranked by certified filing volume. Research Scientist is the busiest non-Research Associate role here (312 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Assistant Professor at a median of $115,000.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist | 312 | $76,918 |
| Principal Research Associate | 152 | $63,386 |
| Associate Research Associate | 141 | $64,480 |
| Assistant Professor | 121 | $115,000 |
| Staff Research Scientist | 119 | $76,877 |
| Staff Research Associate | 116 | $71,600 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate in La Jolla, CA is $65,292, based on 333 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 1% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $64,522 across all U.S. locations. It is also 13% lower than the overall H-1B median of $75,300 in La Jolla, CA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $19,871 range from the 10th percentile ($57,456) to the 90th percentile ($77,327). The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,780 and $74,425, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in La Jolla, CA, with 324 certified filings at a median salary of $65,292. Among the top employers, KYOWA KIRIN pays the highest median at $82,000. The pay spread across top employers is 37%, 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 La Jolla, CA, answered directly from 333 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 La Jolla, CA?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate positions in La Jolla, CA is $65,292, based on 333 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $57,456
- 25th percentile
- $60,780
- Median
- $65,292
- 75th percentile
- $74,425
- 90th percentile
- $77,327
The salary distribution for Research Associate roles in La Jolla, CA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $57,456, while the 90th percentile earns $77,327. This $19,871 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 La Jolla, CA are 50% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Associates in La Jolla, CA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Associate positions in La Jolla, CA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Associate roles specifically in La Jolla, CA. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO leads with 324 filings at a median salary of $65,292. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $60,000 to $82,000.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in La Jolla, CA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in La Jolla, CA, 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, 333 H-1B positions for Research Associates in La Jolla, CA 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.