Research Scientist III H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 2,145 certified H-1B filings for Research Scientist III positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $115,000, which is 12% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Scientist III H-1B salaries fall between $78,752 and $183,800.
Median Salary Trend
Research Scientist III salaries have grown 74% from FY 2020 ($90,000) to FY 2026 ($156,831).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Scientist III
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AMAZON | 838 | $192,200 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA | 85 | $60,889 |
| THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC | 79 | $93,018 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN | 69 | $68,148 |
| THE JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL | 61 | $66,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 46 | $61,800 |
| IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | 44 | $70,493 |
| AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS | 32 | $90,000 |
| TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY | 29 | $160,000 |
| THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC | 27 | $103,126 |
Top Locations for Research Scientist III
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 363 | $179,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 109 | $217,200 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 93 | $76,128 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 87 | $189,300 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 75 | $220,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 74 | $189,500 |
| Tucson, AZ (all jobs) | 73 | $60,889 |
| Palo Alto, CA (all jobs) | 66 | $218,000 |
| Baltimore, MD (all jobs) | 60 | $66,000 |
| Ames, IA | 44 | $70,493 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist III is $115,000, based on 2,145 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 74% since FY 2020 ($90,000 → $156,831).
Salaries span a $150,180 range from the 10th percentile ($63,000) to the 90th percentile ($213,180). The middle 50% of Research Scientist IIIs earn between $78,752 and $183,800, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 838 certified filings at a median salary of $192,200. The pay spread across top employers is 216%.
Geographically, Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Research Scientist III H-1B filings (363) at a median of $179,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Santa Clara, CA at $220,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist III H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist III positions is $115,000, based on 2,145 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 12% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $183,800 to $213,180, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $63,000 to $78,752. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $63,000
- 25th percentile
- $78,752
- Median
- $115,000
- 75th percentile
- $183,800
- 90th percentile
- $213,180
Salaries range from $63,000 at the 10th percentile to $213,180 at the 90th percentile, showing a $150,180 spread. The 25th percentile is $78,752 and the 75th percentile is $183,800.
Which companies hire the most Research Scientist IIIs on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Scientist III 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 III positions with 838 filings at a median salary of $192,200. THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA follows with 85 filings.
Where are Research Scientist III H-1B jobs located?
Research Scientist III 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 IIIs 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 III H-1B filings with 363 positions at a median salary of $179,000. The highest-paying location is Santa Clara, CA at $220,000 median.
How have Research Scientist III salaries changed over time?
Research Scientist III H-1B salaries have grown by +74% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $90,000 to $156,831 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: $106,900 (335 certified)
- FY 2023: $114,000 (369 certified)
- FY 2024: $141,918 (427 certified)
- FY 2025: $147,600 (513 certified)
- FY 2026: $156,831 (93 certified)