Research Scientist II H-1B Salary in Pasadena, CA
Employers have filed 63 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Scientist II positions in Pasadena, CA, with a median salary of $132,080. That's 4% higher than the national Research Scientist II H-1B median of $126,684 across all U.S. locations, and 35% higher than the Pasadena, CA all-roles H-1B median of $98,000. Research Scientist II ranks #7 among H-1B job titles filed from Pasadena, CA.
Headline numbers for Research Scientist II H-1B roles in Pasadena, CA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #5,391 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 Pasadena, CA
The pay distribution for this role spans $62,900 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $119,870 and $160,000, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Scientist IIs land. The median of $132,080 sits 4% higher than the national Research Scientist II H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $109,200
- 25th percentile
- $119,870
- Median
- $132,080
- 75th percentile
- $160,000
- 90th percentile
- $172,100
Top Employers Hiring Research Scientist IIs in Pasadena, CA
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Scientist II in Pasadena, CA, with 42 certified filings (67% of local Research Scientist II H-1B filings) at a median salary of $154,300. The pay spread across top employers is 54%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 54% ($100,520 at GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY to $154,300 at AMAZON)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| AMAZON | 42 | $154,300 |
| CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY/JET PROPULSION LABORATORY | 19 | $120,016 |
| TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY | 1 | $148,896 |
| GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 1 | $100,520 |
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 Pasadena, CA, 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 Pasadena, CA. 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 Pasadena, CA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Pasadena, CA, ranked by certified filing volume. Architect is the busiest non-Research Scientist II role here (190 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Lead Software Developer at a median of $126,942.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | 190 | $77,896 |
| Research Associate | 149 | $66,000 |
| Software Developer | 107 | $102,232 |
| Software Engineer | 104 | $111,780 |
| Research Scientist | 102 | $100,000 |
| Associate Research Associate | 83 | $70,264 |
| Lead Software Developer | 62 | $126,942 |
| Senior Software Developer | 58 | $118,373 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist II in Pasadena, CA is $132,080, based on 63 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 4% higher than the national Research Scientist II H-1B median of $126,684 across all U.S. locations. It is also 35% higher than the overall H-1B median of $98,000 in Pasadena, CA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $62,900 range from the 10th percentile ($109,200) to the 90th percentile ($172,100). The middle 50% of workers earn between $119,870 and $160,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Pasadena, CA, with 42 certified filings at a median salary of $154,300. The pay spread across top employers is 54%, 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 Pasadena, CA, answered directly from 63 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 Pasadena, CA?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist II positions in Pasadena, CA is $132,080, based on 63 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $109,200
- 25th percentile
- $119,870
- Median
- $132,080
- 75th percentile
- $160,000
- 90th percentile
- $172,100
The salary distribution for Research Scientist II roles in Pasadena, CA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $109,200, while the 90th percentile earns $172,100. This $62,900 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 Pasadena, CA are 1% higher, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Scientist IIs in Pasadena, CA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Scientist II positions in Pasadena, CA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Scientist II roles specifically in Pasadena, CA. AMAZON leads with 42 filings at a median salary of $154,300. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $100,520 to $154,300.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Scientist II in Pasadena, CA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Scientist II in Pasadena, CA, 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, 63 H-1B positions for Research Scientist IIs in Pasadena, CA 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.