Research Specialist H-1B Salary in Chicago, IL
Employers have filed 64 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Research Specialist positions in Chicago, IL, with a median salary of $59,883. That's 8% lower than the national Research Specialist H-1B median of $65,000 across all U.S. locations, and 42% lower than the Chicago, IL all-roles H-1B median of $103,333. Research Specialist ranks #123 among H-1B job titles filed from Chicago, IL.
Headline numbers for Research Specialist H-1B roles in Chicago, IL, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #5,825 by filing volume out of the 7,543 job × city combinations we track — a moderately active market for Research Specialist hiring.
Research Specialist H-1B Salary Range in Chicago, IL
The pay distribution for this role spans $28,119 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $54,330 and $66,000, the interquartile range where most experienced Research Specialists land. The median of $59,883 sits 8% lower than the national Research Specialist H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $45,614
- 25th percentile
- $54,330
- Median
- $59,883
- 75th percentile
- $66,000
- 90th percentile
- $73,733
Top Employers Hiring Research Specialists in Chicago, IL
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Specialist in Chicago, IL, with 23 certified filings (36% of local Research Specialist H-1B filings) at a median salary of $55,000. Among the top sponsors, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO pays the highest median at $66,000. The pay spread across top employers is 61%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 61% ($41,000 at CELL BIOLOGICS to $66,000 at UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO | 23 | $55,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO | 20 | $66,000 |
| NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | 9 | $61,798 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | 8 | $58,348 |
| CELL BIOLOGICS | 2 | $41,000 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Research Specialist 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 Chicago, IL, which tells you whether Research Specialist pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Research Specialist H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Research Specialist is an active H-1B role. New York, NY has the most filings (62) outside Chicago, IL. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 62 | $76,814 |
| Boston, MA | 52 | $70,450 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Chicago, IL
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Chicago, IL, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Developer is the busiest non-Research Specialist role here (3,030 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Manager at a median of $142,500.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 3,030 | $98,000 |
| Software Engineer | 2,953 | $108,160 |
| Consultant | 1,786 | $93,954 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 1,501 | $125,450 |
| Architect | 1,375 | $90,500 |
| Manager | 1,141 | $142,500 |
| Accountant | 1,068 | $93,064 |
| Senior Consultant | 1,010 | $114,500 |
| Assistant Professor | 947 | $95,000 |
| Systems Analyst | 797 | $93,600 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Specialist in Chicago, IL is $59,883, based on 64 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 8% lower than the national Research Specialist H-1B median of $65,000 across all U.S. locations. It is also 42% lower than the overall H-1B median of $103,333 in Chicago, IL across all job titles.
Salaries span a $28,119 range from the 10th percentile ($45,614) to the 90th percentile ($73,733). The middle 50% of workers earn between $54,330 and $66,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Chicago, IL, with 23 certified filings at a median salary of $55,000. Among the top employers, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO pays the highest median at $66,000. The pay spread across top employers is 61%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Research Specialist H-1B roles in Chicago, IL, answered directly from 64 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 Specialist salary in Chicago, IL?
The median H-1B salary for Research Specialist positions in Chicago, IL is $59,883, based on 64 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $45,614
- 25th percentile
- $54,330
- Median
- $59,883
- 75th percentile
- $66,000
- 90th percentile
- $73,733
The salary distribution for Research Specialist roles in Chicago, IL shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $45,614, while the 90th percentile earns $73,733. This $28,119 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $126,302, Research Specialist salaries in Chicago, IL are 53% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Research Specialists in Chicago, IL?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Research Specialist positions in Chicago, IL are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Research Specialist roles specifically in Chicago, IL. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO leads with 23 filings at a median salary of $55,000. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $41,000 to $66,000.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Research Specialist in Chicago, IL?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Research Specialist in Chicago, IL, 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, 64 H-1B positions for Research Specialists in Chicago, IL 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.