Researcher H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 657 certified H-1B filings for Researcher positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $107,000, which is 18% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Researcher H-1B salaries fall between $69,805 and $160,534.
Median Salary Trend
Researcher salaries have grown -41% from FY 2020 ($131,500) to FY 2026 ($76,960).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Researcher
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| MICROSOFT | 144 | $166,428 |
| GENERAL HOSPITAL | 91 | $66,893 |
| GENERAL MOTORS | 46 | $110,000 |
| THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY | 46 | $67,475 |
| AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH | 38 | $77,080 |
| ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | 24 | $49,338 |
| NATIONAL BUREAU OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH | 18 | $300,144 |
| GLOBAL ENERGY MONITOR | 14 | $70,720 |
| NEC LABORATORIES AMERICA | 11 | $131,000 |
| HITACHI AMERICA | 10 | $83,325 |
Top Locations for Researcher
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WA (all jobs) | 105 | $167,200 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 57 | $71,545 |
| Bellevue, WA | 43 | $155,500 |
| Warren, MI | 42 | $110,000 |
| Charlestown, MA | 39 | $64,297 |
| Hershey, PA | 35 | $67,475 |
| New York, NY | 31 | $164,070 |
| Memphis, TN | 25 | $49,338 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 12 | $119,496 |
| Arlington, VA | 12 | $75,722 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Researcher is $107,000, based on 657 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 18% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -41% since FY 2020 ($131,500 → $76,960).
Salaries span a $128,087 range from the 10th percentile ($57,013) to the 90th percentile ($185,100). The middle 50% of Researchers earn between $69,805 and $160,534, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
MICROSOFT is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 144 certified filings at a median salary of $166,428. Among the top sponsors, NATIONAL BUREAU OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH pays the highest median at $300,144. The pay spread across top employers is 508%.
Geographically, Redmond, WA has the highest concentration of Researcher H-1B filings (105) at a median of $167,200.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Researcher H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Researcher positions is $107,000, based on 657 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 18% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $160,534 to $185,100, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $57,013 to $69,805. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $57,013
- 25th percentile
- $69,805
- Median
- $107,000
- 75th percentile
- $160,534
- 90th percentile
- $185,100
Salaries range from $57,013 at the 10th percentile to $185,100 at the 90th percentile, showing a $128,087 spread. The 25th percentile is $69,805 and the 75th percentile is $160,534.
Which companies hire the most Researchers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Researcher 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.
MICROSOFT is the largest H-1B sponsor for Researcher positions with 144 filings at a median salary of $166,428. GENERAL HOSPITAL follows with 91 filings.
Where are Researcher H-1B jobs located?
Researcher 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 Researchers 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.
Redmond, WA has the highest concentration of Researcher H-1B filings with 105 positions at a median salary of $167,200.
How have Researcher salaries changed over time?
Researcher H-1B salaries have changed by -41% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $131,500 to $76,960 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: $110,000 (119 certified)
- FY 2023: $87,482 (72 certified)
- FY 2024: $72,000 (86 certified)
- FY 2025: $93,558 (81 certified)
- FY 2026: $76,960 (11 certified)