Research Professional H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 176 certified H-1B filings for Research Professional positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $70,000, which is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Professional H-1B salaries fall between $60,000 and $116,725.
Median Salary Trend
Research Professional salaries have grown -24% from FY 2020 ($112,200) to FY 2026 ($84,891).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Professional
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | 78 | $62,400 |
| SIEMENS | 43 | $126,250 |
| SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA | 18 | $123,900 |
| UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA | 10 | $59,280 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | 6 | $67,000 |
| ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY | 4 | $84,000 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS | 4 | $54,392 |
| FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | 4 | $54,725 |
| OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY | 3 | $60,112 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA | 2 | $55,000 |
Top Locations for Research Professional
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 84 | $62,400 |
| Princeton, NJ | 35 | $126,250 |
| Athens, GA | 10 | $55,000 |
| Berkeley, CA | 7 | $131,250 |
| Tempe, AZ | 4 | $84,000 |
| Malvern, PA | 4 | $125,660 |
| Boston, MA | 4 | $120,578 |
| Fort Valley, GA | 4 | $54,725 |
| Lemont, IL | 3 | $74,048 |
| Stillwater, OK | 3 | $60,112 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Professional is $70,000, based on 176 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown -24% since FY 2020 ($112,200 → $84,891).
Salaries span a $78,750 range from the 10th percentile ($52,500) to the 90th percentile ($131,250). The middle 50% of Research Professionals earn between $60,000 and $116,725, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 78 certified filings at a median salary of $62,400. Among the top sponsors, SIEMENS pays the highest median at $126,250. The pay spread across top employers is 132%.
Geographically, Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of Research Professional H-1B filings (84) at a median of $62,400. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Berkeley, CA at $131,250.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Professional H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Professional positions is $70,000, based on 176 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 45% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $116,725 to $131,250, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $52,500 to $60,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $52,500
- 25th percentile
- $60,000
- Median
- $70,000
- 75th percentile
- $116,725
- 90th percentile
- $131,250
Salaries range from $52,500 at the 10th percentile to $131,250 at the 90th percentile, showing a $78,750 spread. The 25th percentile is $60,000 and the 75th percentile is $116,725.
Which companies hire the most Research Professionals on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Professional 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.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Professional positions with 78 filings at a median salary of $62,400. SIEMENS follows with 43 filings.
Where are Research Professional H-1B jobs located?
Research Professional 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 Professionals 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.
Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of Research Professional H-1B filings with 84 positions at a median salary of $62,400. The highest-paying location is Berkeley, CA at $131,250 median.
How have Research Professional salaries changed over time?
Research Professional H-1B salaries have changed by -24% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $112,200 to $84,891 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 (32 certified)
- FY 2023: $65,000 (28 certified)
- FY 2024: $70,000 (16 certified)
- FY 2025: $67,000 (13 certified)
- FY 2026: $84,891 (16 certified)