Research Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 32,615 certified H-1B filings for Research Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $94,765, which is 21% lower than the overall H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $70,000 and $138,304.
Median Salary Trend
Research Scientist salaries have grown -4% from FY 2020 ($91,561) to FY 2026 ($88,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| META | 2,716 | $182,000 |
| MANAGEMENT HEALTH SYSTEMS | 1,559 | $56,576 |
| MICROSOFT | 1,509 | $143,350 |
| 853 | $183,200 | |
| THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY | 660 | $80,000 |
| MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 450 | $80,000 |
| INTEL | 376 | $129,917 |
| COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY | 374 | $66,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO | 275 | $76,000 |
| ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | 263 | $86,320 |
Top Locations for Research Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 1,699 | $100,000 |
| Cambridge, MA | 1,264 | $108,000 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 1,206 | $182,000 |
| Redmond, WA | 1,013 | $149,867 |
| Bellevue, WA | 842 | $161,378 |
| Mountain View, CA | 756 | $181,000 |
| Boston, MA | 658 | $88,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 636 | $160,000 |
| Stanford, CA | 591 | $80,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 577 | $156,562 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist positions is $94,765, based on 32,615 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 21% lower than the overall H-1B median of $120,000. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $138,304 to $182,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $57,000 to $70,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
Salaries range from $57,000 at the 10th percentile to $182,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $125,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $70,000 and the 75th percentile is $138,304.
Which companies hire the most Research Scientists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Scientist 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.
META is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Scientist positions with 2,716 filings at a median salary of $182,000. MANAGEMENT HEALTH SYSTEMS follows with 1,559 filings.
Where are Research Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Research Scientist 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 Scientists 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 Scientist H-1B filings with 1,699 positions at a median salary of $100,000. The highest-paying location is Menlo Park, CA at $182,000 median.
How have Research Scientist salaries changed over time?
Research Scientist H-1B salaries have changed by -4% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $91,561 to $88,000 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: $98,800 (5,851 certified)
- FY 2023: $90,998 (5,018 certified)
- FY 2024: $96,075 (5,073 certified)
- FY 2025: $100,000 (5,630 certified)
- FY 2026: $88,000 (782 certified)