Research Fellow H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 4,400 certified H-1B filings for Research Fellow positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $67,781, which is 48% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Fellow H-1B salaries fall between $57,456 and $77,964.
Median Salary Trend
Research Fellow salaries have grown 31% from FY 2020 ($57,455) to FY 2026 ($75,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Fellow
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS | 1,082 | $88,649 |
| GENERAL HOSPITAL | 534 | $60,112 |
| MAYO CLINIC | 482 | $58,156 |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | 440 | $66,000 |
| DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE | 438 | $67,000 |
| BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL | 292 | $60,000 |
| HARVARD UNIVERSITY | 288 | $69,000 |
| ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE | 100 | $57,846 |
| MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER | 99 | $59,000 |
| CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER | 76 | $56,722 |
Top Locations for Research Fellow
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 1,863 | $65,000 |
| Bethesda, MD (all jobs) | 897 | $88,000 |
| Rochester, MN (all jobs) | 357 | $58,011 |
| Charlestown, MA (all jobs) | 226 | $60,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 207 | $59,000 |
| Cincinnati, OH (all jobs) | 75 | $55,640 |
| Rockville, MD (all jobs) | 75 | $97,000 |
| Jacksonville, FL (all jobs) | 67 | $57,866 |
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 64 | $68,000 |
| Frederick, MD (all jobs) | 62 | $90,312 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Fellow is $67,781, based on 4,400 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 48% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 31% since FY 2020 ($57,455 → $75,000).
Salaries span a $40,139 range from the 10th percentile ($53,460) to the 90th percentile ($93,599). The middle 50% of Research Fellows earn between $57,456 and $77,964, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 1,082 certified filings at a median salary of $88,649. The pay spread across top employers is 56%.
Geographically, Boston, MA has the highest concentration of Research Fellow H-1B filings (1,863) at a median of $65,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Rockville, MD at $97,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Fellow H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Fellow positions is $67,781, based on 4,400 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 48% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $77,964 to $93,599, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $53,460 to $57,456. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $53,460
- 25th percentile
- $57,456
- Median
- $67,781
- 75th percentile
- $77,964
- 90th percentile
- $93,599
Salaries range from $53,460 at the 10th percentile to $93,599 at the 90th percentile, showing a $40,139 spread. The 25th percentile is $57,456 and the 75th percentile is $77,964.
Which companies hire the most Research Fellows on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Fellow positions is primarily driven by universities, research institutions, and academic medical centers. These employers sponsor international scholars and researchers who bring specialized expertise and contribute to teaching, research, and academic programs. Salaries vary based on institution type, geographic location, and field of specialization.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Fellow positions with 1,082 filings at a median salary of $88,649. GENERAL HOSPITAL follows with 534 filings.
Where are Research Fellow H-1B jobs located?
Research Fellow 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 Fellows 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.
Boston, MA has the highest concentration of Research Fellow H-1B filings with 1,863 positions at a median salary of $65,000. The highest-paying location is Bethesda, MD at $88,000 median.
How have Research Fellow salaries changed over time?
Research Fellow H-1B salaries have grown by +31% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $57,455 to $75,000 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: $60,780 (703 certified)
- FY 2023: $67,000 (713 certified)
- FY 2024: $72,000 (692 certified)
- FY 2025: $73,611 (618 certified)
- FY 2026: $75,000 (274 certified)