Research Scientist I H-1B Salary in Cambridge, MA
Employers have filed 230 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Scientist I positions in Cambridge, MA, with a median salary of $97,000. That's 4% higher than the national Research Scientist I H-1B median of $93,392 across all U.S. locations, and 16% lower than the Cambridge, MA all-roles H-1B median of $115,000. Research Scientist I ranks #11 among H-1B job titles filed from Cambridge, MA.
Headline numbers for Research Scientist I H-1B roles in Cambridge, MA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #1,301 by filing volume out of the 6,873 job × city combinations we track — in the top quartile for Research Scientist I hiring.
Research Scientist I H-1B Salary Range in Cambridge, MA
The pay distribution for this role spans $64,699 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $85,000 and $111,868, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Scientist Is land. The median of $97,000 sits 4% higher than the national Research Scientist I H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $70,500
- 25th percentile
- $85,000
- Median
- $97,000
- 75th percentile
- $111,868
- 90th percentile
- $135,199
Top Employers Hiring Research Scientist Is in Cambridge, MA
THE BROAD INSTITUTE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Scientist I in Cambridge, MA, with 92 certified filings (40% of local Research Scientist I H-1B filings) at a median salary of $95,000. Among the top sponsors, AMAZON pays the highest median at $140,000. The pay spread across top employers is 102%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 102% ($69,181 at NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH to $140,000 at AMAZON)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| THE BROAD INSTITUTE | 92 | $95,000 |
| AMAZON | 33 | $140,000 |
| NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH | 26 | $69,181 |
| TAKEDA DEVELOPMENT CENTER AMERICAS | 11 | $124,848 |
| FOUNDATION MEDICINE | 9 | $86,549 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Research Scientist I H-1B median across every U.S. location — a measure of how local cost-of-living and market demand shift pay up or down. The second is the all-roles H-1B median in Cambridge, MA, which tells you whether Research Scientist I pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Research Scientist I H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Research Scientist I is an active H-1B role. Seattle, WA has the most filings (425) outside Cambridge, MA. The highest median among these is Sunnyvale, CA at $159,182. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 425 | $145,000 |
| San Diego, CA | 194 | $105,000 |
| Madison, WI | 170 | $67,000 |
| New York, NY | 92 | $157,300 |
| Boston, MA | 91 | $98,946 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 82 | $159,182 |
| Atlanta, GA | 67 | $62,400 |
| Birmingham, AL | 67 | $69,000 |
| Tampa, FL | 67 | $70,367 |
| Bellevue, WA | 67 | $150,000 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Cambridge, MA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Cambridge, MA, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Engineer is the busiest non-Research Scientist I role here (1,330 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Senior Software Engineer at a median of $150,000.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 1,330 | $143,000 |
| Research Scientist | 1,264 | $108,000 |
| Senior Research Scientist | 605 | $122,000 |
| Associate Research Associate | 509 | $66,950 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 488 | $150,000 |
| Research Scientist II | 437 | $115,828 |
| Research Associate | 314 | $67,000 |
| Senior Research Associate | 291 | $86,250 |
| Software Engineer II | 262 | $133,300 |
| Principal Research Associate | 247 | $69,216 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist I in Cambridge, MA is $97,000, based on 230 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 4% higher than the national Research Scientist I H-1B median of $93,392 across all U.S. locations. It is also 16% lower than the overall H-1B median of $115,000 in Cambridge, MA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $64,699 range from the 10th percentile ($70,500) to the 90th percentile ($135,199). The middle 50% of workers earn between $85,000 and $111,868, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
THE BROAD INSTITUTE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Cambridge, MA, with 92 certified filings at a median salary of $95,000. Among the top employers, AMAZON pays the highest median at $140,000. The pay spread across top employers is 102%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Research Scientist I H-1B roles in Cambridge, MA, answered directly from 230 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Every answer below cites the specific data point it's based on.
What is the average Research Scientist I salary in Cambridge, MA?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist I positions in Cambridge, MA is $97,000, based on 230 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $70,500
- 25th percentile
- $85,000
- Median
- $97,000
- 75th percentile
- $111,868
- 90th percentile
- $135,199
The salary distribution for Research Scientist I roles in Cambridge, MA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $70,500, while the 90th percentile earns $135,199. This $64,699 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,541, Research Scientist I salaries in Cambridge, MA are 26% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Scientist Is in Cambridge, MA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Scientist I positions in Cambridge, MA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Scientist I roles specifically in Cambridge, MA. THE BROAD INSTITUTE leads with 92 filings at a median salary of $95,000. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $69,181 to $140,000.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Scientist I in Cambridge, MA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Scientist I in Cambridge, MA, you'll need a sponsoring employer. The process involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa
- The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor
- Once the LCA is certified, the employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS
- If selected in the H-1B lottery (if applicable) and approved, you can begin work
Based on our data, 230 H-1B positions for Research Scientist Is in Cambridge, MA have been certified, indicating strong demand for this role. The top sponsors listed above have a track record of successful H-1B sponsorship for this position.