Research Associate H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 16,066 certified H-1B filings for Research Associate positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $64,522, which is 46% lower than the overall H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Research Associate H-1B salaries fall between $57,300 and $73,488.
Median Salary Trend
Research Associate salaries have grown 22% from FY 2020 ($59,100) to FY 2026 ($72,301).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Research Associate
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY | 663 | $71,650 |
| TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | 644 | $66,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO | 600 | $68,190 |
| UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER | 463 | $57,456 |
| NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | 458 | $63,852 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | 358 | $69,342 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO | 339 | $65,292 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | 336 | $60,000 |
| MAYO CLINIC | 326 | $68,993 |
| HARVARD UNIVERSITY | 318 | $77,126 |
Top Locations for Research Associate
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 930 | $73,000 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 768 | $65,292 |
| Chicago, IL | 704 | $62,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 690 | $69,209 |
| Berkeley, CA | 645 | $71,908 |
| Stanford, CA | 638 | $71,650 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 497 | $64,522 |
| Dallas, TX | 489 | $57,456 |
| Baltimore, MD | 412 | $68,500 |
| La Jolla, CA | 333 | $65,292 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Associate H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Research Associate positions is $64,522, based on 16,066 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 46% lower than the overall H-1B median of $120,000. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $73,488 to $83,554, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $52,000 to $57,300. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
Salaries range from $52,000 at the 10th percentile to $83,554 at the 90th percentile, showing a $31,554 spread. The 25th percentile is $57,300 and the 75th percentile is $73,488.
Which companies hire the most Research Associates on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for 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.
THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Research Associate positions with 663 filings at a median salary of $71,650. TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA follows with 644 filings.
Where are Research Associate H-1B jobs located?
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 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.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Research Associate H-1B filings with 930 positions at a median salary of $73,000.
How have Research Associate salaries changed over time?
Research Associate H-1B salaries have grown by +22% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $59,100 to $72,301 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: $62,400 (2,530 certified)
- FY 2023: $65,374 (2,564 certified)
- FY 2024: $68,460 (2,570 certified)
- FY 2025: $71,769 (2,637 certified)
- FY 2026: $72,301 (428 certified)