Senior Researcher H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 236 certified H-1B filings for Senior Researcher positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $137,191, which is 9% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Researcher H-1B salaries fall between $95,000 and $173,000.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Researcher salaries have grown -3% from FY 2020 ($153,054) to FY 2026 ($149,097).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Researcher
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| TENCENT AMERICA | 41 | $184,688 |
| GENERAL MOTORS | 28 | $129,381 |
| ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | 20 | $59,426 |
| MICROSOFT | 16 | $180,000 |
| AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH | 12 | $110,885 |
| DOLBY LABORATORIES | 10 | $164,790 |
| HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | 6 | $88,000 |
| FUJITSU RESEARCH OF AMERICA | 6 | $160,000 |
| DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS | 5 | $233,000 |
| USG | 5 | $120,000 |
Top Locations for Senior Researcher
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue, WA | 27 | $182,434 |
| Warren, MI | 26 | $129,979 |
| Memphis, TN | 20 | $59,426 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 15 | $174,996 |
| New York, NY | 11 | $130,000 |
| Redmond, WA | 8 | $175,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 8 | $169,928 |
| Austin, TX | 7 | $141,440 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 7 | $164,571 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 6 | $155,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Researcher is $137,191, based on 236 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 9% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown -3% since FY 2020 ($153,054 → $149,097).
Salaries span a $139,680 range from the 10th percentile ($60,320) to the 90th percentile ($200,000). The middle 50% of Senior Researchers earn between $95,000 and $173,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
TENCENT AMERICA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 41 certified filings at a median salary of $184,688. Among the top sponsors, DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS pays the highest median at $233,000. The pay spread across top employers is 292%.
Geographically, Bellevue, WA has the highest concentration of Senior Researcher H-1B filings (27) at a median of $182,434.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Researcher H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Researcher positions is $137,191, based on 236 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 9% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $173,000 to $200,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $60,320 to $95,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $60,320
- 25th percentile
- $95,000
- Median
- $137,191
- 75th percentile
- $173,000
- 90th percentile
- $200,000
Salaries range from $60,320 at the 10th percentile to $200,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $139,680 spread. The 25th percentile is $95,000 and the 75th percentile is $173,000.
Which companies hire the most Senior Researchers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior 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.
TENCENT AMERICA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Researcher positions with 41 filings at a median salary of $184,688. GENERAL MOTORS follows with 28 filings.
Where are Senior Researcher H-1B jobs located?
Senior 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 Senior 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.
Bellevue, WA has the highest concentration of Senior Researcher H-1B filings with 27 positions at a median salary of $182,434.
How have Senior Researcher salaries changed over time?
Senior Researcher H-1B salaries have changed by -3% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $153,054 to $149,097 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: $137,708 (44 certified)
- FY 2023: $112,914 (26 certified)
- FY 2024: $142,000 (27 certified)
- FY 2025: $148,699 (44 certified)
- FY 2026: $149,097 (30 certified)