Research Associate H-1B Salary in Oak Ridge, TN
Employers have filed 196 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Associate positions in Oak Ridge, TN, with a median salary of $82,148. That's 26% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $65,000 across all U.S. locations, and 25% lower than the Oak Ridge, TN all-roles H-1B median of $109,308. Research Associate ranks #2 among H-1B job titles filed from Oak Ridge, TN.
Headline numbers for Research Associate H-1B roles in Oak Ridge, TN, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #1,615 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 Oak Ridge, TN
The pay distribution for this role spans $18,180 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $76,273 and $87,396, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Associates land. The median of $82,148 sits 26% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $72,432
- 25th percentile
- $76,273
- Median
- $82,148
- 75th percentile
- $87,396
- 90th percentile
- $90,612
Top Employers Hiring Research Associates in Oak Ridge, TN
UT-BATTELLE, (OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY) is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate in Oak Ridge, TN, with 195 certified filings (99% of local Research Associate H-1B filings) at a median salary of $82,148. The pay spread across top employers is 10%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 10% ($75,000 at OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES to $82,148 at UT-BATTELLE, (OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY))
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| UT-BATTELLE, (OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY) | 195 | $82,148 |
| OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES | 1 | $75,000 |
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 Oak Ridge, TN, 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 Oak Ridge, TN. 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 Oak Ridge, TN
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Oak Ridge, TN, ranked by certified filing volume. Associate Research Associate is the busiest non-Research Associate role here (291 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Research Scientist at a median of $127,800.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Research Associate | 291 | $78,624 |
| Research Scientist | 124 | $127,800 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate in Oak Ridge, TN is $82,148, based on 196 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 26% higher than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $65,000 across all U.S. locations. It is also 25% lower than the overall H-1B median of $109,308 in Oak Ridge, TN across all job titles.
Salaries span a $18,180 range from the 10th percentile ($72,432) to the 90th percentile ($90,612). The middle 50% of workers earn between $76,273 and $87,396, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
UT-BATTELLE, (OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY) is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Oak Ridge, TN, with 195 certified filings at a median salary of $82,148. The pay spread across top employers is 10%, 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 Oak Ridge, TN, answered directly from 196 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 Oak Ridge, TN?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate positions in Oak Ridge, TN is $82,148, based on 196 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $72,432
- 25th percentile
- $76,273
- Median
- $82,148
- 75th percentile
- $87,396
- 90th percentile
- $90,612
The salary distribution for Research Associate roles in Oak Ridge, TN shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $72,432, while the 90th percentile earns $90,612. This $18,180 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 Oak Ridge, TN are 37% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Associates in Oak Ridge, TN?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Associate positions in Oak Ridge, TN are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Associate roles specifically in Oak Ridge, TN. UT-BATTELLE, (OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY) leads with 195 filings at a median salary of $82,148. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $75,000 to $82,148.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in Oak Ridge, TN?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in Oak Ridge, TN, 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, 196 H-1B positions for Research Associates in Oak Ridge, TN 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.