Research Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 36,763 certified H-1B filings for Research Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $97,950, which is 22% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $71,261 and $145,000.
Median Salary Trend
Research Scientist salaries have grown 37% from FY 2020 ($91,561) to FY 2026 ($125,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| META | 2,843 | $187,159 |
| MANAGEMENT HEALTH SYSTEMS | 1,587 | $56,576 |
| MICROSOFT | 1,509 | $143,350 |
| 1,111 | $188,000 | |
| THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY | 708 | $80,000 |
| 581 | $160,782 | |
| MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 492 | $80,638 |
| INTEL | 406 | $130,458 |
| COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY | 398 | $68,597 |
| NVIDIA | 310 | $168,790 |
Top Locations for Research Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 2,020 | $119,340 |
| Menlo Park, CA (all jobs) | 1,579 | $186,200 |
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 1,396 | $109,000 |
| Redmond, WA (all jobs) | 1,053 | $150,000 |
| Mountain View, CA (all jobs) | 948 | $187,000 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 930 | $166,574 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 755 | $89,100 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 723 | $160,000 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 706 | $164,000 |
| Stanford, CA (all jobs) | 629 | $80,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist is $97,950, based on 36,763 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 22% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 37% since FY 2020 ($91,561 → $125,000).
Salaries span a $132,643 range from the 10th percentile ($58,240) to the 90th percentile ($190,883). The middle 50% of Research Scientists earn between $71,261 and $145,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
META is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 2,843 certified filings at a median salary of $187,159. Among the top sponsors, GOOGLE pays the highest median at $188,000. The pay spread across top employers is 232%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Research Scientist H-1B filings (2,020) at a median of $119,340. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Mountain View, CA at $187,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist positions is $97,950, based on 36,763 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 22% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $145,000 to $190,883, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $58,240 to $71,261. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $58,240
- 25th percentile
- $71,261
- Median
- $97,950
- 75th percentile
- $145,000
- 90th percentile
- $190,883
Salaries range from $58,240 at the 10th percentile to $190,883 at the 90th percentile, showing a $132,643 spread. The 25th percentile is $71,261 and the 75th percentile is $145,000.
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 2,843 filings at a median salary of $187,159. MANAGEMENT HEALTH SYSTEMS follows with 1,587 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 2,020 positions at a median salary of $119,340. The highest-paying location is Mountain View, CA at $187,000 median.
How have Research Scientist salaries changed over time?
Research Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +37% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $91,561 to $125,000 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: $125,000 (4,930 certified)