Research Investigator H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 357 certified H-1B filings for Research Investigator positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $68,000, which is 48% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Investigator H-1B salaries fall between $62,000 and $80,000.
Median Salary Trend
Research Investigator salaries have grown 18% from FY 2020 ($62,504) to FY 2026 ($73,579).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Investigator
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN | 242 | $66,150 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER | 41 | $59,592 |
| TAKEDA DEVELOPMENT CENTER AMERICAS | 15 | $108,000 |
| DUPONT SPECIALTY PRODUCTS USA | 8 | $116,850 |
| ROHM AND HAAS ELECTRONIC MATERIALS | 7 | $121,500 |
| BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB | 6 | $116,000 |
| CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE | 6 | $110,000 |
| COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY | 5 | $80,000 |
| THE POPULATION COUNCIL | 5 | $75,000 |
| INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES | 4 | $140,088 |
Top Locations for Research Investigator
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI (all jobs) | 238 | $66,150 |
| Houston, TX | 40 | $59,613 |
| Cambridge, MA | 14 | $108,000 |
| Marlborough, MA | 10 | $121,500 |
| New York, NY | 7 | $75,000 |
| Wilmington, DE | 7 | $117,096 |
| Cold Spring Harbor, NY | 5 | $80,000 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 5 | $110,000 |
| New Brunswick, NJ | 4 | $110,000 |
| Midland, MI | 3 | $124,354 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Investigator is $68,000, based on 357 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 48% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 18% since FY 2020 ($62,504 → $73,579).
Salaries span a $54,000 range from the 10th percentile ($56,000) to the 90th percentile ($110,000). The middle 50% of Research Investigators earn between $62,000 and $80,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 242 certified filings at a median salary of $66,150. Among the top sponsors, INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES pays the highest median at $140,088. The pay spread across top employers is 135%.
Geographically, Ann Arbor, MI has the highest concentration of Research Investigator H-1B filings (238) at a median of $66,150. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Midland, MI at $124,354.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Investigator H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Investigator positions is $68,000, based on 357 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 48% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $80,000 to $110,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $56,000 to $62,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $56,000
- 25th percentile
- $62,000
- Median
- $68,000
- 75th percentile
- $80,000
- 90th percentile
- $110,000
Salaries range from $56,000 at the 10th percentile to $110,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $54,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $62,000 and the 75th percentile is $80,000.
Which companies hire the most Research Investigators on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Investigator 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 MICHIGAN is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Investigator positions with 242 filings at a median salary of $66,150. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER follows with 41 filings.
Where are Research Investigator H-1B jobs located?
Research Investigator 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 Investigators 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.
Ann Arbor, MI has the highest concentration of Research Investigator H-1B filings with 238 positions at a median salary of $66,150. The highest-paying location is Marlborough, MA at $121,500 median.
How have Research Investigator salaries changed over time?
Research Investigator H-1B salaries have grown by +18% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $62,504 to $73,579 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: $63,000 (51 certified)
- FY 2023: $67,500 (48 certified)
- FY 2024: $71,250 (60 certified)
- FY 2025: $72,197 (51 certified)
- FY 2026: $73,579 (17 certified)