Staff Research Scientist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 3,029 certified H-1B filings for Staff Research Scientist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $82,400, which is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Research Scientist H-1B salaries fall between $66,492 and $120,000.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Research Scientist salaries have grown 14% from FY 2020 ($75,005) to FY 2026 ($85,322).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Research Scientist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | 457 | $61,610 |
| NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS | 313 | $116,608 |
| BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE CITY OF HOPE | 138 | $75,578 |
| THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 94 | $75,000 |
| VISA U.S.A. | 88 | $141,586 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | 73 | $73,036 |
| BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE | 72 | $70,000 |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | 52 | $89,981 |
| UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER | 50 | $60,000 |
| OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY | 49 | $84,893 |
Top Locations for Staff Research Scientist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO (all jobs) | 383 | $60,476 |
| Bethesda, MD (all jobs) | 272 | $117,962 |
| Duarte, CA (all jobs) | 132 | $80,000 |
| La Jolla, CA (all jobs) | 126 | $78,000 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 94 | $92,000 |
| Boston, MA (all jobs) | 89 | $87,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 87 | $80,000 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 82 | $75,000 |
| Houston, TX (all jobs) | 79 | $70,000 |
| St Louis, MO (all jobs) | 71 | $67,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Research Scientist is $82,400, based on 3,029 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 14% since FY 2020 ($75,005 → $85,322).
Salaries span a $109,002 range from the 10th percentile ($59,000) to the 90th percentile ($168,002). The middle 50% of Staff Research Scientists earn between $66,492 and $120,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 457 certified filings at a median salary of $61,610. Among the top sponsors, VISA U.S.A. pays the highest median at $141,586. The pay spread across top employers is 136%.
Geographically, St. Louis, MO has the highest concentration of Staff Research Scientist H-1B filings (383) at a median of $60,476. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Bethesda, MD at $117,962.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Research Scientist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Research Scientist positions is $82,400, based on 3,029 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $120,000 to $168,002, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $59,000 to $66,492. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $59,000
- 25th percentile
- $66,492
- Median
- $82,400
- 75th percentile
- $120,000
- 90th percentile
- $168,002
Salaries range from $59,000 at the 10th percentile to $168,002 at the 90th percentile, showing a $109,002 spread. The 25th percentile is $66,492 and the 75th percentile is $120,000.
Which companies hire the most Staff Research Scientists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff 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.
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Research Scientist positions with 457 filings at a median salary of $61,610. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS follows with 313 filings.
Where are Staff Research Scientist H-1B jobs located?
Staff 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 Staff 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.
St. Louis, MO has the highest concentration of Staff Research Scientist H-1B filings with 383 positions at a median salary of $60,476. The highest-paying location is Bethesda, MD at $117,962 median.
How have Staff Research Scientist salaries changed over time?
Staff Research Scientist H-1B salaries have grown by +14% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $75,005 to $85,322 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: $83,824 (440 certified)
- FY 2023: $79,914 (447 certified)
- FY 2024: $85,000 (517 certified)
- FY 2025: $84,893 (579 certified)
- FY 2026: $85,322 (287 certified)