SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY has filed 60 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, with 46 certified. The median H-1B salary at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY is $105,599, which is 12% lower than the national H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Analysis
Salary Range
- 10th percentile: $77,738
- 25th percentile: $85,428
- Median: $105,599
- 75th percentile: $116,240
- 90th percentile: $120,043
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 28 (61%)
- Level II (Qualified): 13 (28%)
- Level III (Experienced): 5 (11%)
- Level IV (Expert): 0 (0%)
Trend (2020-2026)
- Starting median: $115,131
- Current median: $103,717
- Growth: -10%
Salary & Hiring Visualizations
Salary Distribution
Distribution of H-1B salaries at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B salaries range from $77,738 to $120,043 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $105,599. This is comparable to the national H-1B median.
Wage Level Distribution
DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY files 39% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. A higher proportion of Level I (entry) positions may face more lottery competition.
Median Salary Trend
Year-over-year salary changes
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's median H-1B salary changed by -10% from FY 2020 ($115,131) to FY 2026 ($103,717).
H-1B Filings by Year
Annual hiring activity through H-1B program
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B filings changed by -94% from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This may reflect changes in hiring strategy or workforce composition.
Salary by Job Title
Top roles by filing volume, showing salary distribution
The highest-volume H-1B role at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY is Astrophysicist with 21 filings at $115,131 median salary.
Salary by Location
Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's largest H-1B hub is Cambridge, MA with 45 filings. The highest-paying location is Cambridge, MA at $105,599 median.
Highest Paying H-1B Roles at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
Ranked by median salary — Unlike "Salary by Job Title" above which shows the most common roles by filing volume, this section ranks all H-1B positions by their median compensation to highlight the best-paying opportunities.
These are the top 10 highest-paying H-1B job titles at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Astrophysicist at $115,131 median, which is 9% above the company's overall H-1B median of $105,599.
High-paying H-1B roles typically require advanced technical expertise, specialized domain knowledge, or significant leadership responsibility. Factors influencing top-tier compensation include years of experience, educational credentials (PhD, Master's degrees), rare skill combinations, and market demand for specific technologies. The salary distribution chart below each role shows how compensation varies—wider distributions indicate more salary negotiation flexibility, while narrow peaks suggest standardized pay bands. Senior and principal-level positions consistently command premium salaries due to their strategic impact and scarcity of qualified candidates.
Astrophysicist
21 H-1B filings at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
IT Specialist ( Appsw)(Inet)
2 H-1B filings at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
Physicist
5 H-1B filings at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
Astronomer
5 H-1B filings at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow)
4 H-1B filings at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
IT Specialist (Back Office Developer)
2 H-1B filings at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
Salary data based on 46 certified H-1B labor condition applications at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.
Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
Actual filed salaries — These are the 10 highest individual H-1B salary filings at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY, representing specific positions (not aggregated medians). These may include executive, highly specialized, or senior leadership roles.
The highest H-1B salary filed at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY was $855,288 for a Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) position in Cambridge, MA (FY2020). This is 710% higher than the company's median H-1B salary.
Top H-1B salaries often cluster in high cost-of-living metros like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle where prevailing wages are higher. However, executive and specialized roles can command premium compensation regardless of location. These filings represent the upper bound of H-1B compensation at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY—actual total compensation may be significantly higher when including stock grants, bonuses, and benefits. Geographic patterns in top salaries often reflect where companies locate their most senior technical talent and leadership positions.
Marker size indicates salary level. Click markers for details.
| Rank | Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) | Cambridge, MA | $855,288 | I | FY 2020 |
| 2 | IT Specialist (Applications Software - R&D) | Cambridge, MA | $157,113 | III | FY 2023 |
| 3 | Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $146,859 | II | FY 2022 |
| 4 | Astronomer | Cambridge, MA | $121,159 | I | FY 2025 |
| 5 | Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $120,043 | II | FY 2020 |
| 6 | Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $120,043 | II | FY 2020 |
| 7 | Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $120,043 | II | FY 2021 |
| 8 | Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $119,355 | III | FY 2025 |
| 9 | Physicist | Cambridge, MA | $118,518 | II | FY 2020 |
| 10 | Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $116,240 | II | FY 2020 |
These represent the highest individual salary amounts filed in H-1B labor condition applications. Note: H-1B salary data reflects base compensation only and does not include stock options, RSUs, bonuses, or other benefits which can significantly increase total compensation at tech companies.
Detailed Breakdown
H-1B Job Titles at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Astrophysicist | 21 | $115,131 |
| Physicist | 5 | $101,514 |
| Astronomer | 5 | $98,366 |
| Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) | 4 | $80,328 |
| IT Specialist ( Appsw)(Inet) | 2 | $102,517 |
| IT Specialist (Back Office Developer) | 2 | $77,738 |
H-1B Locations for SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
| Location | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge, MA | 45 | $105,599 |
| Tuscon, AZ | 1 | $80,436 |
Recent H-1B Filings at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's 46 total certified filings.
| Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $103,717 | I | FY 2026 |
| Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $101,514 | I | FY 2025 |
| Astronomer | Cambridge, MA | $121,159 | I | FY 2025 |
| Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $119,355 | III | FY 2025 |
| Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $103,717 | I | FY 2025 |
| Electronics Engineer | Cambridge, MA | $85,362 | I | FY 2025 |
| Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $107,064 | I | FY 2025 |
| Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $93,175 | I | FY 2024 |
| Information Technology Specialist | Cambridge, MA | $63,705 | I | FY 2024 |
| Physicist | Cambridge, MA | $101,514 | III | FY 2024 |
| Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $108,062 | I | FY 2024 |
| IT Specialist (Applications Software - R&D) | Cambridge, MA | $157,113 | III | FY 2023 |
| IT Specialist (Back Office Developer) | Cambridge, MA | $77,738 | I | FY 2023 |
| Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) | Cambridge, MA | $80,328 | I | FY 2023 |
| IT Specialist (Back Office Developer) | Cambridge, MA | $77,738 | I | FY 2023 |
| Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) | Cambridge, MA | $80,328 | I | FY 2023 |
| IT Specialist (Front-End Web Software Developer) | Cambridge, MA | $114,916 | III | FY 2023 |
| Astronomer | Cambridge, MA | $105,599 | I | FY 2023 |
| Information Technology Specialist | Cambridge, MA | $108,705 | I | FY 2023 |
| Astrophysicist | Cambridge, MA | $146,859 | II | FY 2022 |
Data source: U.S. Department of Labor LCA Disclosure Files. Showing most recent certified filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY H-1B Visas
What is the average H-1B salary at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY?
The median H-1B salary at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY is $105,599, based on 46 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $85,428 and senior positions reaching $120,043 or higher. These figures represent base salaries in LCA filings and may not include bonuses, equity grants, or other compensation common at large employers.
Salaries at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY range from $77,738 at the 10th percentile to $120,043 at the 90th percentile, showing a $42,305 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $85,428 and the 75th percentile is $116,240.
Does SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY actively sponsors H-1B visas and has been a consistent participant in the H-1B program. They have filed 60 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. With 46 certified applications and a 0% denial rate, SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY maintains a strong track record for H-1B sponsorship. The company sponsors positions across multiple job categories and locations, making them a viable option for professionals seeking H-1B visa sponsorship.
In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY filed 1 H-1B applications, with 1 certified and 0 denied. Over 7 years of data, SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY has consistently demonstrated commitment to H-1B sponsorship.
Note: These are Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the Department of Labor, which is a prerequisite for H-1B petitions. The actual number of H-1B petitions filed with USCIS may differ.
What is SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B approval rate?
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0%, with 0 out of 60 applications denied across all years. This translates to a 100.0% certification rate, which indicates how successfully the company prepares and files H-1B applications. A lower denial rate suggests better compliance with Department of Labor requirements, proper wage documentation, and accurate job classification. Prospective H-1B applicants should consider this approval rate alongside other factors like salary, job role, and location when evaluating SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY as a potential H-1B sponsor.
This is an excellent approval rate, indicating SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY has strong H-1B sponsorship practices and typically meets DOL requirements. Applicants can feel confident in the company's H-1B track record.
What jobs does SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY sponsor for H-1B?
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 46 certified filings, the most commonly sponsored job titles reflect the company's primary business functions and talent needs. These positions typically require specialized knowledge in fields like technology, engineering, finance, or scientific research. Understanding which roles SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.
Most common H-1B job titles at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY:
The most frequently sponsored role is Astrophysicist with 21 filings at a median salary of $115,131. This is followed by Physicist (5 filings) and Astronomer.
Where are SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B jobs located?
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B positions are distributed across multiple U.S. locations, with concentration in major metropolitan areas and tech hubs. Geographic distribution often reflects company office locations, client sites, and regional market demands. Location significantly impacts H-1B salary due to varying cost of living and local wage requirements. Understanding where SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY sponsors H-1B workers can help candidates target specific offices and negotiate appropriate compensation for each market.
Top SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY H-1B locations:
The largest H-1B hub for SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY is Cambridge, MA with 45 filings at a median salary of $105,599. The highest-paying location is Cambridge, MA at $105,599 median. Salaries range from $80,436 to $105,599 across office locations.
How have SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B salaries changed over time?
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's median H-1B salary has changed by -10% from FY 2020 ($115,131) to FY 2026 ($103,717). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY adjusts compensation to remain competitive in the H-1B labor market. Salary growth typically reflects inflation adjustments, increased demand for specialized skills, and evolving prevailing wage requirements. These historical trends can help applicants understand future salary expectations and negotiate appropriately when considering H-1B opportunities at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $105,654 (5 certified)
- FY 2023: $105,599 (8 certified)
- FY 2024: $101,514 (4 certified)
- FY 2025: $107,064 (6 certified)
- FY 2026: $103,717 (1 certified)
Salary levels have remained relatively stable at SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY.
What wage level does SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY use for H-1B?
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level I, accounting for 61% of their filings. DOL wage levels range from Level I (entry-level, 17th percentile of local wages) to Level IV (expert, 67th percentile). Wage level determines both salary requirements and, under recent H-1B rules, lottery selection priority. Higher wage levels receive preference in the H-1B lottery, making SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.
A significant portion of SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B filings are at entry-level (Level I) wages. These positions may face more competition in the H-1B lottery.
How does SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B salary compare to other employers?
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's median H-1B salary of $105,599 is 12% lower than the national H-1B median of $120,000 across all employers and industries. This comparison provides context for evaluating SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's competitiveness in attracting H-1B talent. Keep in mind that industry, location, and job function significantly impact salary levels. Tech companies and financial institutions typically offer higher H-1B salaries than other sectors, while salaries in major metros like San Francisco and New York exceed those in smaller markets. Compare SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.
SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's H-1B salaries are below the national median, though this may vary significantly by role, experience level, and location. Consider researching specific positions for more accurate compensation expectations.
How do new H-1B fees and rules affect SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY's sponsorship?
Recent H-1B rule changes have increased filing fees and introduced wage-level prioritization in the lottery. SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY files 61% of positions at Level I, which may face more lottery competition under wage-level prioritization rules.
With 46 certified filings, SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY invests significantly in H-1B sponsorship. The company's 0% denial rate suggests strong compliance with H-1B requirements and documentation standards.
Note: H-1B regulations are subject to change. Fees shown are estimates based on 2024 USCIS fee schedules. Actual costs may vary based on company size, premium processing, and future rule changes.
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