Staff Research Associate H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 401 certified H-1B filings for Staff Research Associate positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $77,804, which is 38% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Research Associate H-1B salaries fall between $65,778 and $107,880.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Research Associate salaries have grown 41% from FY 2020 ($63,924) to FY 2026 ($89,836).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Research Associate
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO | 130 | $72,664 |
| LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY | 124 | $117,840 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES | 58 | $65,844 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | 23 | $71,202 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS | 12 | $72,649 |
| LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER | 7 | $55,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA BARBARA | 7 | $65,545 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO | 7 | $73,338 |
| UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER | 6 | $57,500 |
| ARC RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 6 | $107,000 |
Top Locations for Staff Research Associate
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| La Jolla, CA (all jobs) | 125 | $72,733 |
| Livermore, CA (all jobs) | 121 | $117,564 |
| Los Angeles, CA (all jobs) | 58 | $65,844 |
| Berkeley, CA | 25 | $72,003 |
| San Francisco, CA | 12 | $70,500 |
| Torrance, CA | 11 | $55,000 |
| Davis, CA | 10 | $72,667 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 7 | $65,545 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 6 | $57,500 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 6 | $107,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Research Associate is $77,804, based on 401 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 38% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 41% since FY 2020 ($63,924 → $89,836).
Salaries span a $64,300 range from the 10th percentile ($59,060) to the 90th percentile ($123,360). The middle 50% of Staff Research Associates earn between $65,778 and $107,880, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 130 certified filings at a median salary of $72,664. Among the top sponsors, LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY pays the highest median at $117,840. The pay spread across top employers is 114%.
Geographically, La Jolla, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Research Associate H-1B filings (125) at a median of $72,733. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Livermore, CA at $117,564.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Research Associate H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Research Associate positions is $77,804, based on 401 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 38% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $107,880 to $123,360, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $59,060 to $65,778. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $59,060
- 25th percentile
- $65,778
- Median
- $77,804
- 75th percentile
- $107,880
- 90th percentile
- $123,360
Salaries range from $59,060 at the 10th percentile to $123,360 at the 90th percentile, showing a $64,300 spread. The 25th percentile is $65,778 and the 75th percentile is $107,880.
Which companies hire the most Staff Research Associates on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff 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.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Research Associate positions with 130 filings at a median salary of $72,664. LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY follows with 124 filings.
Where are Staff Research Associate H-1B jobs located?
Staff 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 Staff 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.
La Jolla, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Research Associate H-1B filings with 125 positions at a median salary of $72,733. The highest-paying location is Livermore, CA at $117,564 median.
How have Staff Research Associate salaries changed over time?
Staff Research Associate H-1B salaries have grown by +41% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $63,924 to $89,836 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: $71,602 (69 certified)
- FY 2023: $81,443 (66 certified)
- FY 2024: $79,391 (75 certified)
- FY 2025: $83,915 (77 certified)
- FY 2026: $89,836 (38 certified)