Research Scientist II H-1B Salary in Ames, IA
Employers have filed 55 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Scientist II positions in Ames, IA, with a median salary of $61,323. That's 52% lower than the national Research Scientist II H-1B median of $126,684 across all U.S. locations, and 13% lower than the Ames, IA all-roles H-1B median of $70,866. Research Scientist II ranks #3 among H-1B job titles filed from Ames, IA.
Headline numbers for Research Scientist II H-1B roles in Ames, IA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #6,174 by filing volume out of the 6,873 job × city combinations we track — a moderately active market for Research Scientist II hiring.
Research Scientist II H-1B Salary Range in Ames, IA
The pay distribution for this role spans $44,000 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $56,944 and $69,757, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Scientist IIs land. The median of $61,323 sits 52% lower than the national Research Scientist II H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $52,000
- 25th percentile
- $56,944
- Median
- $61,323
- 75th percentile
- $69,757
- 90th percentile
- $96,000
Top Employers Hiring Research Scientist IIs in Ames, IA
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Scientist II in Ames, IA, with 54 certified filings (98% of local Research Scientist II H-1B filings) at a median salary of $61,323. Among the top sponsors, DANISCO US pays the highest median at $104,208. The pay spread across top employers is 70%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 70% ($61,323 at IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY to $104,208 at DANISCO US)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | 54 | $61,323 |
| DANISCO US | 1 | $104,208 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Research Scientist II 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 Ames, IA, which tells you whether Research Scientist II pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Research Scientist II H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Research Scientist II is an active H-1B role. Seattle, WA has the most filings (1,087) outside Ames, IA. The highest median among these is Santa Clara, CA at $185,000. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 1,087 | $157,000 |
| Cambridge, MA | 437 | $115,828 |
| New York, NY | 350 | $175,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 343 | $180,274 |
| Bellevue, WA | 258 | $165,000 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 235 | $183,500 |
| San Diego, CA | 198 | $125,000 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 191 | $58,344 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 179 | $185,000 |
| Boston, MA | 176 | $125,000 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Ames, IA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Ames, IA, ranked by certified filing volume. Associate Research Associate is the busiest non-Research Scientist II role here (197 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Assistant Professor at a median of $96,995.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Research Associate | 197 | $55,224 |
| Assistant Professor | 162 | $96,995 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist II in Ames, IA is $61,323, based on 55 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 52% lower than the national Research Scientist II H-1B median of $126,684 across all U.S. locations. It is also 13% lower than the overall H-1B median of $70,866 in Ames, IA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $44,000 range from the 10th percentile ($52,000) to the 90th percentile ($96,000). The middle 50% of workers earn between $56,944 and $69,757, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Ames, IA, with 54 certified filings at a median salary of $61,323. Among the top employers, DANISCO US pays the highest median at $104,208. The pay spread across top employers is 70%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Research Scientist II H-1B roles in Ames, IA, answered directly from 55 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 II salary in Ames, IA?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist II positions in Ames, IA is $61,323, based on 55 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $52,000
- 25th percentile
- $56,944
- Median
- $61,323
- 75th percentile
- $69,757
- 90th percentile
- $96,000
The salary distribution for Research Scientist II roles in Ames, IA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $52,000, while the 90th percentile earns $96,000. This $44,000 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 II salaries in Ames, IA are 53% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Scientist IIs in Ames, IA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Scientist II positions in Ames, IA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Scientist II roles specifically in Ames, IA. IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY leads with 54 filings at a median salary of $61,323. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $61,323 to $104,208.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Scientist II in Ames, IA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Scientist II in Ames, IA, 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, 55 H-1B positions for Research Scientist IIs in Ames, IA 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.