Research Specialist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 727 certified H-1B filings for Research Specialist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $65,000, which is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Specialist H-1B salaries fall between $52,500 and $80,000.
Median Salary Trend
Research Specialist salaries have grown 11% from FY 2020 ($62,000) to FY 2026 ($68,623).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Specialist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 217 | $80,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM | 39 | $48,266 |
| BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL | 30 | $69,701 |
| UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO | 26 | $55,000 |
| WEILL CORNELL MEDICAL COLLEGE | 24 | $70,325 |
| EMORY UNIVERSITY | 24 | $40,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO | 22 | $66,000 |
| NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | 21 | $63,773 |
| NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY | 20 | $54,000 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA | 19 | $62,000 |
Top Locations for Research Specialist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 64 | $59,883 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 62 | $76,814 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 52 | $70,450 |
| Madison, WI | 41 | $48,131 |
| Ashburn, VA | 31 | $87,340 |
| Atlanta, GA | 22 | $40,228 |
| Worcester, MA | 19 | $56,123 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 18 | $70,012 |
| Fargo, ND | 18 | $55,000 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 18 | $45,006 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Specialist is $65,000, based on 727 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 11% since FY 2020 ($62,000 → $68,623).
Salaries span a $49,754 range from the 10th percentile ($43,243) to the 90th percentile ($92,997). The middle 50% of Research Specialists earn between $52,500 and $80,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 217 certified filings at a median salary of $80,000. The pay spread across top employers is 100%.
Geographically, Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of Research Specialist H-1B filings (64) at a median of $59,883. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Ashburn, VA at $87,340.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Specialist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Specialist positions is $65,000, based on 727 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $80,000 to $92,997, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $43,243 to $52,500. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $43,243
- 25th percentile
- $52,500
- Median
- $65,000
- 75th percentile
- $80,000
- 90th percentile
- $92,997
Salaries range from $43,243 at the 10th percentile to $92,997 at the 90th percentile, showing a $49,754 spread. The 25th percentile is $52,500 and the 75th percentile is $80,000.
Which companies hire the most Research Specialists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Specialist 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.
HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Specialist positions with 217 filings at a median salary of $80,000. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM follows with 39 filings.
Where are Research Specialist H-1B jobs located?
Research Specialist 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 Specialists 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.
Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of Research Specialist H-1B filings with 64 positions at a median salary of $59,883. The highest-paying location is Ashburn, VA at $87,340 median.
How have Research Specialist salaries changed over time?
Research Specialist H-1B salaries have grown by +11% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $62,000 to $68,623 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: $67,392 (115 certified)
- FY 2023: $65,000 (120 certified)
- FY 2024: $68,000 (113 certified)
- FY 2025: $66,000 (107 certified)
- FY 2026: $68,623 (83 certified)