Researcher 5 H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 151 certified H-1B filings for Researcher 5 positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $62,005, which is 53% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Researcher 5 H-1B salaries fall between $57,034 and $70,845.
Median Salary Trend
Researcher 5 salaries have grown -2% from FY 2020 ($57,500) to FY 2026 ($56,202).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Researcher 5
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA | 149 | $62,000 |
| REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA | 2 | $79,668 |
Top Locations for Researcher 5
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN (all jobs) | 94 | $62,000 |
| St. Paul, MN | 27 | $60,000 |
| Austin, MN | 13 | $66,186 |
| Saint Paul, MN | 10 | $56,000 |
| Duluth, MN | 2 | $90,518 |
| Coleraine, MN | 1 | $85,956 |
| Minneaplis, MN | 1 | $62,000 |
| Potomac, MD | 1 | $68,943 |
| Chicago, IL | 1 | $95,473 |
| Ely, MN | 1 | $75,707 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Researcher 5 is $62,005, based on 151 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 53% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -2% since FY 2020 ($57,500 → $56,202).
Salaries span a $28,000 range from the 10th percentile ($53,000) to the 90th percentile ($81,000). The middle 50% of Researcher 5s earn between $57,034 and $70,845, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 149 certified filings at a median salary of $62,000. Among the top sponsors, REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA pays the highest median at $79,668. The pay spread across top employers is 28%.
Geographically, Minneapolis, MN has the highest concentration of Researcher 5 H-1B filings (94) at a median of $62,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Chicago, IL at $95,473.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Researcher 5 H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Researcher 5 positions is $62,005, based on 151 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 53% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $70,845 to $81,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $53,000 to $57,034. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $53,000
- 25th percentile
- $57,034
- Median
- $62,005
- 75th percentile
- $70,845
- 90th percentile
- $81,000
Salaries range from $53,000 at the 10th percentile to $81,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $28,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $57,034 and the 75th percentile is $70,845.
Which companies hire the most Researcher 5s on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Researcher 5 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.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Researcher 5 positions with 149 filings at a median salary of $62,000. REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA follows with 2 filings.
Where are Researcher 5 H-1B jobs located?
Researcher 5 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 Researcher 5s 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.
Minneapolis, MN has the highest concentration of Researcher 5 H-1B filings with 94 positions at a median salary of $62,000. The highest-paying location is Duluth, MN at $90,518 median.
How have Researcher 5 salaries changed over time?
Researcher 5 H-1B salaries have changed by -2% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $57,500 to $56,202 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: $63,333 (33 certified)
- FY 2023: $66,186 (32 certified)
- FY 2024: $71,032 (22 certified)
- FY 2025: $75,707 (10 certified)
- FY 2026: $56,202 (1 certified)