Research Staff Member H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 131 certified H-1B filings for Research Staff Member positions from FY 2020 to FY 2025. The median salary is $139,200, which is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Staff Member H-1B salaries fall between $139,200 and $165,000.
Median Salary Trend
Research Staff Member salaries have grown 27% from FY 2020 ($139,200) to FY 2025 ($176,384).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Staff Member
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| IBM | 120 | $139,200 |
| LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY | 7 | $134,493 |
| MAYACHITRA | 2 | $120,640 |
| NUMENTA | 1 | $140,670 |
| INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES | 1 | $176,384 |
Top Locations for Research Staff Member
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Yorktown Heights, NY (all jobs) | 75 | $139,200 |
| San Jose, CA | 22 | $168,002 |
| Cambridge, MA | 11 | $127,600 |
| Livermore, CA | 7 | $134,493 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 3 | $120,640 |
| Austin, TX | 2 | $198,108 |
| New York, NY | 2 | $139,200 |
| Albany, NY | 2 | $130,000 |
| Redwood City, CA | 1 | $140,670 |
| Armonk, NY | 1 | $191,796 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Research Staff Member is $139,200, based on 131 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2025. This is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 27% since FY 2020 ($139,200 → $176,384).
Salaries span a $64,488 range from the 10th percentile ($127,600) to the 90th percentile ($192,088). The middle 50% of Research Staff Members earn between $139,200 and $165,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
IBM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 120 certified filings at a median salary of $139,200. Among the top sponsors, INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES pays the highest median at $176,384. The pay spread across top employers is 46%.
Geographically, Yorktown Heights, NY has the highest concentration of Research Staff Member H-1B filings (75) at a median of $139,200. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Austin, TX at $198,108.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Staff Member H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Staff Member positions is $139,200, based on 131 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2025. This salary is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $165,000 to $192,088, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $127,600 to $139,200. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $127,600
- 25th percentile
- $139,200
- Median
- $139,200
- 75th percentile
- $165,000
- 90th percentile
- $192,088
Salaries range from $127,600 at the 10th percentile to $192,088 at the 90th percentile, showing a $64,488 spread. The 25th percentile is $139,200 and the 75th percentile is $165,000.
Which companies hire the most Research Staff Members on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Research Staff Member 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.
IBM is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Staff Member positions with 120 filings at a median salary of $139,200. LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY follows with 7 filings.
Where are Research Staff Member H-1B jobs located?
Research Staff Member 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 Staff Members 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.
Yorktown Heights, NY has the highest concentration of Research Staff Member H-1B filings with 75 positions at a median salary of $139,200. The highest-paying location is San Jose, CA at $168,002 median.
How have Research Staff Member salaries changed over time?
Research Staff Member H-1B salaries have grown by +27% from FY 2020 to FY 2025, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $139,200 to $176,384 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 2021: $139,200 (38 certified)
- FY 2022: $139,200 (30 certified)
- FY 2023: $216,000 (8 certified)
- FY 2024: $174,720 (1 certified)
- FY 2025: $176,384 (1 certified)