Research Scholar H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 220 certified H-1B filings for Research Scholar positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $68,182, which is 48% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Scholar H-1B salaries fall between $62,000 and $77,250.
Median Salary Trend
Research Scholar salaries have grown 26% from FY 2020 ($63,268) to FY 2026 ($80,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Scholar
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER | 80 | $68,000 |
| NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | 51 | $69,600 |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY | 26 | $68,964 |
| THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY | 10 | $106,850 |
| NEW YORK UNIVERSITY | 8 | $75,768 |
| UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO | 5 | $57,928 |
| W.M. RICE UNIVERSITY | 4 | $90,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO | 3 | $75,442 |
| MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE | 3 | $44,138 |
| WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES | 3 | $48,381 |
Top Locations for Research Scholar
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 89 | $68,000 |
| Raleigh, NC | 45 | $72,000 |
| Durham, NC | 29 | $68,435 |
| Princeton, NJ | 9 | $103,000 |
| Moscow, ID | 5 | $57,928 |
| Kannapolis, NC | 5 | $55,349 |
| Houston, TX | 4 | $90,000 |
| Moffett Field, CA | 3 | $75,442 |
| Atlanta, GA | 3 | $44,138 |
| Pomona, CA | 2 | $50,190 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scholar is $68,182, based on 220 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 26% since FY 2020 ($63,268 → $80,000).
Salaries span a $35,150 range from the 10th percentile ($55,350) to the 90th percentile ($90,500). The middle 50% of Research Scholars earn between $62,000 and $77,250, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 80 certified filings at a median salary of $68,000. Among the top sponsors, THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY pays the highest median at $106,850. The pay spread across top employers is 142%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Research Scholar H-1B filings (89) at a median of $68,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Princeton, NJ at $103,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scholar H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scholar positions is $68,182, based on 220 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 $77,250 to $90,500, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $55,350 to $62,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $55,350
- 25th percentile
- $62,000
- Median
- $68,182
- 75th percentile
- $77,250
- 90th percentile
- $90,500
Salaries range from $55,350 at the 10th percentile to $90,500 at the 90th percentile, showing a $35,150 spread. The 25th percentile is $62,000 and the 75th percentile is $77,250.
Which companies hire the most Research Scholars on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Scholar 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.
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Scholar positions with 80 filings at a median salary of $68,000. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY follows with 51 filings.
Where are Research Scholar H-1B jobs located?
Research Scholar 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 Scholars 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.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Research Scholar H-1B filings with 89 positions at a median salary of $68,000. The highest-paying location is Princeton, NJ at $103,000 median.
How have Research Scholar salaries changed over time?
Research Scholar H-1B salaries have grown by +26% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $63,268 to $80,000 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: $62,730 (26 certified)
- FY 2023: $68,000 (41 certified)
- FY 2024: $67,000 (33 certified)
- FY 2025: $70,000 (52 certified)
- FY 2026: $80,000 (11 certified)