Senior Research Associate H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 2,450 certified H-1B filings for Senior Research Associate positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $80,000, which is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Research Associate H-1B salaries fall between $65,000 and $95,000.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Research Associate salaries have grown 11% from FY 2020 ($70,200) to FY 2026 ($77,854).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Research Associate
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| DUKE UNIVERSITY | 200 | $63,440 |
| UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER | 99 | $60,780 |
| GILEAD SCIENCES | 73 | $94,432 |
| OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY | 61 | $74,460 |
| CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY | 51 | $71,000 |
| VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED | 38 | $75,005 |
| BROWN UNIVERSITY | 34 | $75,000 |
| CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 33 | $70,000 |
| CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS | 28 | $150,000 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | 27 | $76,877 |
Top Locations for Senior Research Associate
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 291 | $86,250 |
| Durham, NC (all jobs) | 224 | $63,852 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 159 | $131,000 |
| Dallas, TX (all jobs) | 103 | $61,800 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 98 | $82,014 |
| South San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 84 | $104,000 |
| Foster City, CA (all jobs) | 65 | $98,342 |
| Portland, OR (all jobs) | 57 | $74,500 |
| Cleveland, OH (all jobs) | 53 | $71,000 |
| Waltham, MA | 40 | $88,605 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Research Associate is $80,000, based on 2,450 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 11% since FY 2020 ($70,200 → $77,854).
Salaries span a $56,507 range from the 10th percentile ($56,493) to the 90th percentile ($113,000). The middle 50% of Senior Research Associates earn between $65,000 and $95,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
DUKE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 200 certified filings at a median salary of $63,440. Among the top sponsors, CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS pays the highest median at $150,000. The pay spread across top employers is 147%.
Geographically, Cambridge, MA has the highest concentration of Senior Research Associate H-1B filings (291) at a median of $86,250. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is New York, NY at $131,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Research Associate H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Research Associate positions is $80,000, based on 2,450 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 39% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $95,000 to $113,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $56,493 to $65,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $56,493
- 25th percentile
- $65,000
- Median
- $80,000
- 75th percentile
- $95,000
- 90th percentile
- $113,000
Salaries range from $56,493 at the 10th percentile to $113,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $56,507 spread. The 25th percentile is $65,000 and the 75th percentile is $95,000.
Which companies hire the most Senior Research Associates on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior Research Associate 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.
DUKE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Research Associate positions with 200 filings at a median salary of $63,440. UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER follows with 99 filings.
Where are Senior Research Associate H-1B jobs located?
Senior Research Associate 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 Senior Research Associates 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.
Cambridge, MA has the highest concentration of Senior Research Associate H-1B filings with 291 positions at a median salary of $86,250. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $131,000 median.
How have Senior Research Associate salaries changed over time?
Senior Research Associate H-1B salaries have grown by +11% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $70,200 to $77,854 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: $80,000 (445 certified)
- FY 2023: $83,000 (413 certified)
- FY 2024: $84,427 (409 certified)
- FY 2025: $85,904 (403 certified)
- FY 2026: $77,854 (58 certified)