Research Instructor H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 261 certified H-1B filings for Research Instructor positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $65,000, which is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Instructor H-1B salaries fall between $58,386 and $72,775.
Median Salary Trend
Research Instructor salaries have grown 25% from FY 2020 ($60,255) to FY 2026 ($75,570).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Instructor
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH | 78 | $62,525 |
| UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER | 26 | $61,880 |
| VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY | 23 | $67,102 |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER | 22 | $52,780 |
| VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER | 21 | $70,000 |
| MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND AFFILIATES | 12 | $68,413 |
| CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER | 11 | $70,000 |
| GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY | 10 | $75,638 |
| WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | 9 | $68,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL | 7 | $70,000 |
Top Locations for Research Instructor
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA (all jobs) | 78 | $62,525 |
| Nashville, TN | 44 | $68,000 |
| Aurora, CO | 28 | $61,651 |
| Omaha, NE | 23 | $52,780 |
| Charleston, SC | 12 | $68,413 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 12 | $70,000 |
| Washington, DC | 10 | $75,638 |
| Chapel Hill, NC | 7 | $70,000 |
| St. Louis, MO | 7 | $68,000 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 6 | $68,557 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Instructor is $65,000, based on 261 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 25% since FY 2020 ($60,255 → $75,570).
Salaries span a $27,693 range from the 10th percentile ($53,206) to the 90th percentile ($80,899). The middle 50% of Research Instructors earn between $58,386 and $72,775, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 78 certified filings at a median salary of $62,525. Among the top sponsors, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY pays the highest median at $75,638. The pay spread across top employers is 43%.
Geographically, Pittsburgh, PA has the highest concentration of Research Instructor H-1B filings (78) at a median of $62,525. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Washington, DC at $75,638.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Instructor H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Instructor positions is $65,000, based on 261 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $72,775 to $80,899, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $53,206 to $58,386. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $53,206
- 25th percentile
- $58,386
- Median
- $65,000
- 75th percentile
- $72,775
- 90th percentile
- $80,899
Salaries range from $53,206 at the 10th percentile to $80,899 at the 90th percentile, showing a $27,693 spread. The 25th percentile is $58,386 and the 75th percentile is $72,775.
Which companies hire the most Research Instructors on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Instructor 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.
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Instructor positions with 78 filings at a median salary of $62,525. UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER follows with 26 filings.
Where are Research Instructor H-1B jobs located?
Research Instructor 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 Instructors 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.
Pittsburgh, PA has the highest concentration of Research Instructor H-1B filings with 78 positions at a median salary of $62,525. The highest-paying location is Charleston, SC at $68,413 median.
How have Research Instructor salaries changed over time?
Research Instructor H-1B salaries have grown by +25% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $60,255 to $75,570 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: $65,000 (39 certified)
- FY 2023: $64,297 (40 certified)
- FY 2024: $68,250 (41 certified)
- FY 2025: $74,082 (32 certified)
- FY 2026: $75,570 (13 certified)