Senior Research Investigator H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 110 certified H-1B filings for Senior Research Investigator positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $94,432, which is 28% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Research Investigator H-1B salaries fall between $75,000 and $97,000.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Research Investigator salaries have grown 11% from FY 2020 ($85,000) to FY 2026 ($94,753).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Research Investigator
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | 94 | $92,298 |
| BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB | 9 | $140,000 |
| THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY | 2 | $75,000 |
| THE NEW YORK STEM CELL FOUNDATION | 1 | $135,600 |
| OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY | 1 | $67,933 |
| NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADDICTION STUDIES AND TREATMENT FOUNDATION | 1 | $90,000 |
| NCWR | 1 | $90,000 |
| BIOHAVEN PHARMACEUTICALS | 1 | $80,000 |
Top Locations for Senior Research Investigator
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA (all jobs) | 92 | $92,298 |
| Princeton, NJ | 5 | $120,000 |
| Lawrenceville, NJ | 3 | $140,000 |
| Tulsa, OK | 3 | $90,000 |
| Kennett Square, PA | 2 | $85,000 |
| New York, NY | 1 | $135,600 |
| Philadelphia, Pa, PA | 1 | $68,162 |
| Lompoc, CA | 1 | $105,102 |
| Seattle, WA | 1 | $149,350 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $80,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Research Investigator is $94,432, based on 110 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 28% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 11% since FY 2020 ($85,000 → $94,753).
Salaries span a $54,563 range from the 10th percentile ($65,437) to the 90th percentile ($120,000). The middle 50% of Senior Research Investigators earn between $75,000 and $97,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 94 certified filings at a median salary of $92,298. Among the top sponsors, BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB pays the highest median at $140,000. The pay spread across top employers is 106%.
Geographically, Philadelphia, PA has the highest concentration of Senior Research Investigator H-1B filings (92) at a median of $92,298. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Seattle, WA at $149,350.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Research Investigator H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Research Investigator positions is $94,432, based on 110 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 28% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $97,000 to $120,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $65,437 to $75,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $65,437
- 25th percentile
- $75,000
- Median
- $94,432
- 75th percentile
- $97,000
- 90th percentile
- $120,000
Salaries range from $65,437 at the 10th percentile to $120,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $54,563 spread. The 25th percentile is $75,000 and the 75th percentile is $97,000.
Which companies hire the most Senior Research Investigators on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior Research Investigator 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.
TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Research Investigator positions with 94 filings at a median salary of $92,298. BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB follows with 9 filings.
Where are Senior Research Investigator H-1B jobs located?
Senior Research Investigator 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 Investigators 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.
Philadelphia, PA has the highest concentration of Senior Research Investigator H-1B filings with 92 positions at a median salary of $92,298. The highest-paying location is Lawrenceville, NJ at $140,000 median.
How have Senior Research Investigator salaries changed over time?
Senior Research Investigator H-1B salaries have grown by +11% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $85,000 to $94,753 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: $85,000 (20 certified)
- FY 2023: $79,914 (11 certified)
- FY 2024: $94,753 (19 certified)
- FY 2025: $94,753 (21 certified)
- FY 2026: $94,753 (1 certified)