Research Associate H-1B Salary in University Park, PA
Employers have filed 161 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Associate positions in University Park, PA, with a median salary of $56,484. That's 13% lower than the national Research Associate H-1B median of $65,000 across all U.S. locations, and 25% lower than the University Park, PA all-roles H-1B median of $75,600. Research Associate ranks #3 among H-1B job titles filed from University Park, PA.
Headline numbers for Research Associate H-1B roles in University Park, PA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #2,004 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 University Park, PA
The pay distribution for this role spans $16,500 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $53,206 and $61,008, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Associates land. The median of $56,484 sits 13% lower than the national Research Associate H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $50,004
- 25th percentile
- $53,206
- Median
- $56,484
- 75th percentile
- $61,008
- 90th percentile
- $66,504
Top Employers Hiring Research Associates in University Park, PA
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate in University Park, PA, with 160 certified filings (99% of local Research Associate H-1B filings) at a median salary of $56,484. Among the top sponsors, HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE pays the highest median at $64,962. The pay spread across top employers is 15%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 15% ($56,484 at THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY to $64,962 at HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY | 160 | $56,484 |
| HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 1 | $64,962 |
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 University Park, PA, 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 University Park, PA. 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 University Park, PA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from University Park, PA, ranked by certified filing volume. Professor is the busiest non-Research Associate role here (284 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Assistant Professor at a median of $102,024.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | 284 | $70,032 |
| Assistant Professor | 253 | $102,024 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate in University Park, PA is $56,484, based on 161 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 13% lower 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 $75,600 in University Park, PA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $16,500 range from the 10th percentile ($50,004) to the 90th percentile ($66,504). The middle 50% of workers earn between $53,206 and $61,008, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in University Park, PA, with 160 certified filings at a median salary of $56,484. Among the top employers, HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE pays the highest median at $64,962. The pay spread across top employers is 15%, 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 University Park, PA, answered directly from 161 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 University Park, PA?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate positions in University Park, PA is $56,484, based on 161 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $50,004
- 25th percentile
- $53,206
- Median
- $56,484
- 75th percentile
- $61,008
- 90th percentile
- $66,504
The salary distribution for Research Associate roles in University Park, PA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $50,004, while the 90th percentile earns $66,504. This $16,500 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 University Park, PA are 57% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Associates in University Park, PA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Associate positions in University Park, PA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Associate roles specifically in University Park, PA. THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY leads with 160 filings at a median salary of $56,484. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $56,484 to $64,962.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in University Park, PA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Associate in University Park, PA, 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, 161 H-1B positions for Research Associates in University Park, PA 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.