Research Fellow H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 4,252 certified H-1B filings for Research Fellow positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $67,000, which is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Fellow H-1B salaries fall between $57,000 and $77,782.
Median Salary Trend
Research Fellow salaries have grown 32% from FY 2020 ($57,455) to FY 2026 ($76,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Fellow
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS | 1,047 | $88,208 |
| GENERAL HOSPITAL | 524 | $60,112 |
| MAYO CLINIC | 456 | $57,865 |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | 427 | $65,292 |
| DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE | 417 | $66,290 |
| BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL | 283 | $59,140 |
| HARVARD UNIVERSITY | 282 | $69,000 |
| ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE | 100 | $57,846 |
| MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER | 97 | $58,500 |
| CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER | 70 | $54,163 |
Top Locations for Research Fellow
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 1,801 | $64,008 |
| Bethesda, MD (all jobs) | 868 | $87,600 |
| Rochester, MN (all jobs) | 342 | $57,865 |
| Charlestown, MA (all jobs) | 223 | $60,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 205 | $58,586 |
| Rockville, MD (all jobs) | 71 | $95,000 |
| Cincinnati, OH (all jobs) | 69 | $53,768 |
| Jacksonville, FL (all jobs) | 62 | $57,595 |
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 62 | $67,600 |
| Frederick, MD (all jobs) | 61 | $90,312 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Fellow is $67,000, based on 4,252 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 32% since FY 2020 ($57,455 → $76,000).
Salaries span a $39,586 range from the 10th percentile ($53,414) to the 90th percentile ($93,000). The middle 50% of Research Fellows earn between $57,000 and $77,782, 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 1,047 certified filings at a median salary of $88,208. The pay spread across top employers is 63%.
Geographically, Boston, MA has the highest concentration of Research Fellow H-1B filings (1,801) at a median of $64,008. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Rockville, MD at $95,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Fellow H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Fellow positions is $67,000, based on 4,252 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $77,782 to $93,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $53,414 to $57,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $53,414
- 25th percentile
- $57,000
- Median
- $67,000
- 75th percentile
- $77,782
- 90th percentile
- $93,000
Salaries range from $53,414 at the 10th percentile to $93,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $39,586 spread. The 25th percentile is $57,000 and the 75th percentile is $77,782.
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 1,047 filings at a median salary of $88,208. GENERAL HOSPITAL follows with 524 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 1,801 positions at a median salary of $64,008. The highest-paying location is Bethesda, MD at $87,600 median.
How have Research Fellow salaries changed over time?
Research Fellow H-1B salaries have grown by +32% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $57,455 to $76,000 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: $76,000 (126 certified)