Senior Research Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 8,936 certified H-1B filings for Senior Research Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $117,478, which is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Research Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $95,000 and $142,400.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Research Scientist salaries have grown 23% from FY 2020 ($105,705) to FY 2026 ($130,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Research Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| MERCK SHARP & DOHME | 314 | $111,400 |
| MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER | 233 | $77,000 |
| NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH | 183 | $93,891 |
| ABBVIE | 162 | $120,000 |
| REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS | 146 | $136,420 |
| ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS | 136 | $125,000 |
| ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | 123 | $104,000 |
| PFIZER | 116 | $84,963 |
| BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB | 104 | $135,000 |
| WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | 102 | $70,000 |
Top Locations for Senior Research Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge, MA (all jobs) | 692 | $125,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 578 | $90,000 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 286 | $120,800 |
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 239 | $122,000 |
| South San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 238 | $140,000 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 167 | $186,307 |
| Rahway, NJ (all jobs) | 165 | $112,112 |
| Houston, TX (all jobs) | 149 | $102,003 |
| Waltham, MA (all jobs) | 131 | $124,341 |
| Memphis, TN (all jobs) | 129 | $104,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Research Scientist is $117,478, based on 8,936 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 23% since FY 2020 ($105,705 → $130,000).
Salaries span a $92,575 range from the 10th percentile ($78,600) to the 90th percentile ($171,175). The middle 50% of Senior Research Scientists earn between $95,000 and $142,400, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
MERCK SHARP & DOHME is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 314 certified filings at a median salary of $111,400. Among the top sponsors, REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS pays the highest median at $136,420. The pay spread across top employers is 95%.
Geographically, Cambridge, MA has the highest concentration of Senior Research Scientist H-1B filings (692) at a median of $125,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $186,307.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Research Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Research Scientist positions is $117,478, based on 8,936 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $142,400 to $171,175, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $78,600 to $95,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $78,600
- 25th percentile
- $95,000
- Median
- $117,478
- 75th percentile
- $142,400
- 90th percentile
- $171,175
Salaries range from $78,600 at the 10th percentile to $171,175 at the 90th percentile, showing a $92,575 spread. The 25th percentile is $95,000 and the 75th percentile is $142,400.
Which companies hire the most Senior Research Scientists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior Research Scientist 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.
MERCK SHARP & DOHME is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Research Scientist positions with 314 filings at a median salary of $111,400. MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER follows with 233 filings.
Where are Senior Research Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Senior Research Scientist 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 Scientists 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 Scientist H-1B filings with 692 positions at a median salary of $125,000. The highest-paying location is South San Francisco, CA at $140,000 median.
How have Senior Research Scientist salaries changed over time?
Senior Research Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +23% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $105,705 to $130,000 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: $113,250 (1,318 certified)
- FY 2023: $115,000 (1,266 certified)
- FY 2024: $120,000 (1,381 certified)
- FY 2025: $126,006 (1,519 certified)
- FY 2026: $130,000 (1,358 certified)