Research Scientist I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 3,334 certified H-1B filings for Research Scientist I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $93,000, which is 29% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Scientist I H-1B salaries fall between $72,450 and $130,020.
Median Salary Trend
Research Scientist I salaries have grown -17% from FY 2020 ($98,880) to FY 2026 ($82,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Scientist I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AMAZON | 1,020 | $150,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM | 188 | $67,000 |
| THE BROAD INSTITUTE | 95 | $95,000 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM | 61 | $69,888 |
| GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 60 | $62,400 |
| UNIVERSITY FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH | 55 | $97,800 |
| H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER & RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 52 | $75,813 |
| TUSIMPLE | 50 | $102,875 |
| LEIDOS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH | 46 | $96,158 |
| IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | 45 | $67,145 |
Top Locations for Research Scientist I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 433 | $143,550 |
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 234 | $96,500 |
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 195 | $105,000 |
| Madison, WI (all jobs) | 190 | $67,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 92 | $157,300 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 91 | $98,946 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 83 | $159,000 |
| Tampa, FL (all jobs) | 70 | $70,803 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 69 | $147,000 |
| Atlanta, GA (all jobs) | 68 | $62,483 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist I is $93,000, based on 3,334 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 29% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown -17% since FY 2020 ($98,880 → $82,000).
Salaries span a $98,578 range from the 10th percentile ($61,422) to the 90th percentile ($160,000). The middle 50% of Research Scientist Is earn between $72,450 and $130,020, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 1,020 certified filings at a median salary of $150,000. The pay spread across top employers is 140%.
Geographically, Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Research Scientist I H-1B filings (433) at a median of $143,550. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Sunnyvale, CA at $159,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist I positions is $93,000, based on 3,334 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 29% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $130,020 to $160,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $61,422 to $72,450. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $61,422
- 25th percentile
- $72,450
- Median
- $93,000
- 75th percentile
- $130,020
- 90th percentile
- $160,000
Salaries range from $61,422 at the 10th percentile to $160,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $98,578 spread. The 25th percentile is $72,450 and the 75th percentile is $130,020.
Which companies hire the most Research Scientist Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Scientist I 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.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Scientist I positions with 1,020 filings at a median salary of $150,000. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM follows with 188 filings.
Where are Research Scientist I H-1B jobs located?
Research Scientist I 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 Scientist Is 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.
Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Research Scientist I H-1B filings with 433 positions at a median salary of $143,550. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $157,300 median.
How have Research Scientist I salaries changed over time?
Research Scientist I H-1B salaries have changed by -17% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $98,880 to $82,000 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: $93,350 (643 certified)
- FY 2023: $97,520 (570 certified)
- FY 2024: $92,000 (467 certified)
- FY 2025: $95,000 (476 certified)
- FY 2026: $82,000 (151 certified)