Research Specialist II H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 103 certified H-1B filings for Research Specialist II positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $57,500, which is 54% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Specialist II H-1B salaries fall between $50,000 and $74,000.
Median Salary Trend
Research Specialist II salaries have grown 28% from FY 2020 ($60,000) to FY 2026 ($76,500).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Specialist II
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY | 40 | $50,000 |
| HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 17 | $92,456 |
| THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI | 12 | $46,280 |
| FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY | 8 | $88,037 |
| BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY | 4 | $65,702 |
| TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY | 4 | $70,000 |
| CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | 3 | $54,000 |
| PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY | 3 | $67,368 |
| TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - CORPUS CHRISTI | 2 | $58,856 |
| LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO | 2 | $56,000 |
Top Locations for Research Specialist II
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Princeton, NJ | 40 | $50,000 |
| Columbia, MO | 12 | $46,280 |
| Miami, FL | 8 | $88,037 |
| College Station, TX | 6 | $70,000 |
| Waltham, MA | 4 | $65,702 |
| Stanford, CA | 3 | $80,000 |
| Boston, MA | 3 | $90,000 |
| New York, NY | 3 | $89,000 |
| Prairie View, TX | 3 | $67,368 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 2 | $58,856 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Specialist II is $57,500, based on 103 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 54% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 28% since FY 2020 ($60,000 → $76,500).
Salaries span a $47,000 range from the 10th percentile ($43,000) to the 90th percentile ($90,000). The middle 50% of Research Specialist IIs earn between $50,000 and $74,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 40 certified filings at a median salary of $50,000. Among the top sponsors, HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE pays the highest median at $92,456. The pay spread across top employers is 100%.
Geographically, Princeton, NJ has the highest concentration of Research Specialist II H-1B filings (40) at a median of $50,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Boston, MA at $90,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Specialist II H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Specialist II positions is $57,500, based on 103 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 54% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $74,000 to $90,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $43,000 to $50,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $43,000
- 25th percentile
- $50,000
- Median
- $57,500
- 75th percentile
- $74,000
- 90th percentile
- $90,000
Salaries range from $43,000 at the 10th percentile to $90,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $47,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $50,000 and the 75th percentile is $74,000.
Which companies hire the most Research Specialist IIs on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Specialist II 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.
THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Specialist II positions with 40 filings at a median salary of $50,000. HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE follows with 17 filings.
Where are Research Specialist II H-1B jobs located?
Research Specialist II 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 Specialist IIs 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.
Princeton, NJ has the highest concentration of Research Specialist II H-1B filings with 40 positions at a median salary of $50,000. The highest-paying location is Miami, FL at $88,037 median.
How have Research Specialist II salaries changed over time?
Research Specialist II H-1B salaries have grown by +28% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $60,000 to $76,500 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: $54,000 (9 certified)
- FY 2023: $47,000 (15 certified)
- FY 2024: $56,000 (16 certified)
- FY 2025: $60,000 (18 certified)
- FY 2026: $76,500 (14 certified)