Research Scientist II H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 7,869 certified H-1B filings for Research Scientist II positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $130,146, which is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Scientist II H-1B salaries fall between $87,000 and $170,000.
Median Salary Trend
Research Scientist II salaries have grown 25% from FY 2020 ($131,726) to FY 2026 ($164,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Scientist II
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AMAZON | 3,655 | $170,000 |
| ARUP LABORATORIES | 193 | $58,614 |
| TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY | 125 | $141,918 |
| GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 124 | $85,000 |
| ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM/SUNBELT | 104 | $71,211 |
| NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH | 82 | $85,842 |
| THE BROAD INSTITUTE | 70 | $111,394 |
| IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | 62 | $61,859 |
| UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL | 62 | $79,144 |
| UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM | 60 | $77,286 |
Top Locations for Research Scientist II
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 1,278 | $160,000 |
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 468 | $117,420 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 456 | $180,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 406 | $183,900 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 337 | $165,200 |
| Palo Alto, CA (all jobs) | 272 | $184,662 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 248 | $185,000 |
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 242 | $133,464 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 206 | $133,203 |
| Salt Lake City, UT (all jobs) | 198 | $58,760 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist II is $130,146, based on 7,869 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 25% since FY 2020 ($131,726 → $164,000).
Salaries span a $120,300 range from the 10th percentile ($67,000) to the 90th percentile ($187,300). The middle 50% of Research Scientist IIs earn between $87,000 and $170,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 3,655 certified filings at a median salary of $170,000. The pay spread across top employers is 190%.
Geographically, Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Research Scientist II H-1B filings (1,278) at a median of $160,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Santa Clara, CA at $185,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist II H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist II positions is $130,146, based on 7,869 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $170,000 to $187,300, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $67,000 to $87,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $67,000
- 25th percentile
- $87,000
- Median
- $130,146
- 75th percentile
- $170,000
- 90th percentile
- $187,300
Salaries range from $67,000 at the 10th percentile to $187,300 at the 90th percentile, showing a $120,300 spread. The 25th percentile is $87,000 and the 75th percentile is $170,000.
Which companies hire the most Research Scientist IIs on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Scientist II 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 II positions with 3,655 filings at a median salary of $170,000. ARUP LABORATORIES follows with 193 filings.
Where are Research Scientist II H-1B jobs located?
Research Scientist II 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 IIs 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 II H-1B filings with 1,278 positions at a median salary of $160,000. The highest-paying location is Sunnyvale, CA at $183,900 median.
How have Research Scientist II salaries changed over time?
Research Scientist II H-1B salaries have grown by +25% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $131,726 to $164,000 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: $123,074 (1,073 certified)
- FY 2023: $126,684 (1,182 certified)
- FY 2024: $138,965 (1,242 certified)
- FY 2025: $150,200 (1,443 certified)
- FY 2026: $164,000 (1,419 certified)