Research Scientist H-1B Salary in Milpitas, CA
Employers have filed 100 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Scientist positions in Milpitas, CA, with a median salary of $153,328. That's 57% higher than the national Research Scientist H-1B median of $97,950 across all U.S. locations, and 11% higher than the Milpitas, CA all-roles H-1B median of $137,669. Research Scientist ranks #8 among H-1B job titles filed from Milpitas, CA.
Headline numbers for Research Scientist H-1B roles in Milpitas, CA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #3,581 by filing volume out of the 7,543 job × city combinations we track — a moderately active market for Research Scientist hiring.
Research Scientist H-1B Salary Range in Milpitas, CA
The pay distribution for this role spans $81,125 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $125,725 and $170,681, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Scientists land. The median of $153,328 sits 57% higher than the national Research Scientist H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $107,744
- 25th percentile
- $125,725
- Median
- $153,328
- 75th percentile
- $170,681
- 90th percentile
- $188,869
Top Employers Hiring Research Scientists in Milpitas, CA
KLA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Scientist in Milpitas, CA, with 51 certified filings (51% of local Research Scientist H-1B filings) at a median salary of $163,661. Among the top sponsors, HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE pays the highest median at $167,500. The pay spread across top employers is 67%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 67% ($100,130 at NANOLAB TECHNOLOGIES to $167,500 at HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| KLA | 51 | $163,661 |
| HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE | 12 | $167,500 |
| HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES | 8 | $140,005 |
| NANOLAB TECHNOLOGIES | 6 | $100,130 |
| INTELLICO | 2 | $142,000 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Research Scientist 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 Milpitas, CA, which tells you whether Research Scientist pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Research Scientist H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Research Scientist is an active H-1B role. New York, NY has the most filings (2,020) outside Milpitas, CA. The highest median among these is Mountain View, CA at $187,000. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 2,020 | $119,340 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 1,579 | $186,200 |
| Cambridge, MA | 1,396 | $109,000 |
| Redmond, WA | 1,053 | $150,000 |
| Mountain View, CA | 948 | $187,000 |
| Bellevue, WA | 930 | $166,574 |
| Boston, MA | 755 | $89,100 |
| Seattle, WA | 723 | $160,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 706 | $164,000 |
| Stanford, CA | 629 | $80,000 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Milpitas, CA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Milpitas, CA, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Engineer is the busiest non-Research Scientist role here (815 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Lead Software Engineer at a median of $192,724.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 815 | $146,307 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 245 | $162,812 |
| Software Developer | 230 | $120,578 |
| QA Engineer | 132 | $120,000 |
| Architect | 109 | $131,144 |
| Product Development Engineer | 108 | $145,000 |
| Project Manager | 101 | $131,144 |
| Lead Software Engineer | 97 | $192,724 |
| Engineering Manager | 96 | $189,155 |
| Senior Engineer, Industrial Engineering | 95 | $99,859 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist in Milpitas, CA is $153,328, based on 100 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 57% higher than the national Research Scientist H-1B median of $97,950 across all U.S. locations. It is also 11% higher than the overall H-1B median of $137,669 in Milpitas, CA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $81,125 range from the 10th percentile ($107,744) to the 90th percentile ($188,869). The middle 50% of workers earn between $125,725 and $170,681, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
KLA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Milpitas, CA, with 51 certified filings at a median salary of $163,661. Among the top employers, HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE pays the highest median at $167,500. The pay spread across top employers is 67%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Research Scientist H-1B roles in Milpitas, CA, answered directly from 100 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 salary in Milpitas, CA?
The median H-1B salary for Research Scientist positions in Milpitas, CA is $153,328, based on 100 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $107,744
- 25th percentile
- $125,725
- Median
- $153,328
- 75th percentile
- $170,681
- 90th percentile
- $188,869
The salary distribution for Research Scientist roles in Milpitas, CA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $107,744, while the 90th percentile earns $188,869. This $81,125 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $126,302, Research Scientist salaries in Milpitas, CA are 21% higher, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Scientists in Milpitas, CA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Scientist positions in Milpitas, CA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Scientist roles specifically in Milpitas, CA. KLA leads with 51 filings at a median salary of $163,661. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $100,130 to $167,500.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Scientist in Milpitas, CA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Scientist in Milpitas, 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, 100 H-1B positions for Research Scientists in Milpitas, 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.