Research Chemist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 120 certified H-1B filings for Research Chemist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $79,997, which is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Chemist H-1B salaries fall between $70,000 and $95,000.
Median Salary Trend
Research Chemist salaries have grown 59% from FY 2020 ($75,000) to FY 2026 ($119,393).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Chemist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| NIVAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS | 7 | $75,000 |
| AMSTERGEN LIFE SCIENCES | 6 | $61,360 |
| EASTMAN CHEMICAL | 4 | $105,000 |
| OBITER RESEARCH | 4 | $62,400 |
| NAVINTA | 4 | $93,000 |
| PPG INDUSTRIES | 4 | $104,550 |
| BERKELEY INNOVATION GROUP | 4 | $82,992 |
| DYNACHEM RESEARCH CENTER | 3 | $70,000 |
| INTERTEK USA | 3 | $87,993 |
| AUCTA PHARMACEUTICALS | 3 | $77,000 |
Top Locations for Research Chemist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Davis, CA | 7 | $75,000 |
| Cranbury, NJ | 6 | $95,000 |
| Warminster, PA | 6 | $61,360 |
| Ewing, NJ | 5 | $93,000 |
| Houston, TX | 5 | $93,000 |
| Covina, CA | 5 | $78,000 |
| Champaign, IL | 4 | $62,400 |
| Hampton Township, PA | 4 | $104,550 |
| Conshohocken, PA | 4 | $119,393 |
| Berkeley, CA | 4 | $82,992 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Chemist is $79,997, based on 120 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 59% since FY 2020 ($75,000 → $119,393).
Salaries span a $50,706 range from the 10th percentile ($55,203) to the 90th percentile ($105,909). The middle 50% of Research Chemists earn between $70,000 and $95,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
NIVAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 7 certified filings at a median salary of $75,000. Among the top sponsors, EASTMAN CHEMICAL pays the highest median at $105,000. The pay spread across top employers is 71%.
Geographically, Davis, CA has the highest concentration of Research Chemist H-1B filings (7) at a median of $75,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Conshohocken, PA at $119,393.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Chemist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Chemist positions is $79,997, based on 120 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $95,000 to $105,909, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $55,203 to $70,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $55,203
- 25th percentile
- $70,000
- Median
- $79,997
- 75th percentile
- $95,000
- 90th percentile
- $105,909
Salaries range from $55,203 at the 10th percentile to $105,909 at the 90th percentile, showing a $50,706 spread. The 25th percentile is $70,000 and the 75th percentile is $95,000.
Which companies hire the most Research Chemists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Chemist positions spans various industries and employer types. The top sponsors reflect where demand for this role is highest, with compensation varying based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger employers often have established visa sponsorship programs and immigration support.
NIVAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Chemist positions with 7 filings at a median salary of $75,000. AMSTERGEN LIFE SCIENCES follows with 6 filings.
Where are Research Chemist H-1B jobs located?
Research Chemist H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Research Chemists across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
Davis, CA has the highest concentration of Research Chemist H-1B filings with 7 positions at a median salary of $75,000. The highest-paying location is Cranbury, NJ at $95,000 median.
How have Research Chemist salaries changed over time?
Research Chemist H-1B salaries have grown by +59% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $75,000 to $119,393 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $82,992 (25 certified)
- FY 2023: $85,000 (18 certified)
- FY 2024: $80,080 (18 certified)
- FY 2025: $96,000 (13 certified)
- FY 2026: $119,393 (2 certified)