National Radio Astronomy Observatory — H-1B Visa Sponsorship

NRAO Maintains Steady H-1B Sponsorship for Technical and Scientific Roles

Grade: C→ stable low risk
Data updated: 2026-04-02
5
Total H-1B Filings
100%
Approval Rate
$100k
Average Salary
$108k
Median Salary
$83k
Min Salary
$109k
Max Salary
C
Sponsor Grade (63/100)

National Radio Astronomy Observatory H-1B Visa Sponsorship Summary

National Radio Astronomy Observatory H-1B Visa Sponsorship Summary
MetricValue
Total H-1B Petitions5
Approval Rate100%
Average Salary$99,798
Salary Range$83,491 - $108,534
Top Job TitleSoftware Engineer IV
Primary LocationNew Mexico

Browse by Fiscal Year

About National Radio Astronomy Observatory's H-1B Sponsorship

National Radio Astronomy Observatory has filed 5 H-1B visa petitions with a 100.0% approval rate. National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) shows a consistent pattern of H-1B sponsorship, with 5 petitions filed in FY2025. The employer primarily sponsors roles in technical and scientific fields, as indicated by job titles like 'Software Engineer IV' and 'Associate Scientist/Astronomy'. NRAO's sponsorship is concentrated in specific states, with New Mexico and Virginia being the primary locations. The average salary offered across sponsored positions is competitive, reflecting the specialized nature of the roles.

Key Insights

  • All 5 FY2025 petitions are for new employment, indicating active recruitment.
  • The highest number of petitions (3) are located in New Mexico, likely reflecting the presence of major observatories.
  • The average salary for sponsored positions is $99,798, which is competitive for the specialized fields.
  • The employer sponsors a variety of engineering and scientific roles, suggesting a broad need for technical expertise.
  • The data shows a focus on experienced-level positions, with titles like 'IV' and 'Group Lead'.
  • No petitions were filed for withdrawn or denied cases, suggesting a high success rate for their applications.
  • The limited number of petitions (5) suggests a niche hiring strategy rather than mass recruitment.

Expert Analysis

Peer Comparison: NRAO's H-1B sponsorship practices appear stable and focused on specialized technical roles, aligning with other research institutions.

Negotiation Tip: Given the specialized nature of the roles, emphasize your unique technical skills and experience that directly align with the observatory's research needs.

Similar Employers

Filing Statistics

Total Filings5
Certified5
Approval Rate100%
Average Salary$99,798
Median Salary$107,994
Salary Range$83,491 – $108,534
10th Percentile Salary$83,491
25th Percentile Salary$90,979
75th Percentile Salary$107,994
90th Percentile Salary$108,534
Sponsor GradeC — Score: 63/100 (medium confidence)

Green Card (PERM) Sponsorship by National Radio Astronomy Observatory

PERM labor certification data shows whether National Radio Astronomy Observatory sponsors employees for green cards (permanent residency). This data is from DOL PERM disclosure files (FY2020–2026).

4
Total PERM Filings
100%
PERM Certification Rate
$91k
Avg PERM Salary
$95k
Median PERM Salary
4
PERM Certified
YearCertifiedDeniedTotalRate
2023202100%
2025202100%

Top PERM Job Titles

Job TitleFilings
Software Engineer III1
Assistant Scientist/Computer Science1
Associate Scientist/Astronomy1
RADIAL Project Director1

Top Countries of Origin (PERM)

CountryFilings
BRAZIL1
SOUTH AFRICA1

Salary Distribution

10th Percentile$74,381
25th Percentile$78,806
Median (50th)$87,360
75th Percentile$102,566
90th Percentile$119,829
Average$94,114
Sample Size49

Prevailing Wage Comparison

8.5%
Avg Premium Over Prevailing Wage
43%
Filings Above Prevailing Wage
49
Filings with Wage Data

Processing Time

7 days
Average Processing
7 days
Median Processing
1–8 days
Range

Workforce Insights

14%
New Hire Rate
68%
Continued Employment Rate
52%
Cross-State Placement Rate

Filing Trend by Year

YearFilingsAvg Salary
FY20255N/A

Top Job Titles at National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Job TitleFilings
Software Engineer IV2
Associate Scientist/Astronomy1
Engineering Group Lead, Information Systems1
Systems Engineer IV1

Work Locations

StateFilings
New Mexico3
Virginia2

Visa Classes

H-1B (5)

Frequently Asked Questions about National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Does National Radio Astronomy Observatory sponsor H-1B visas?

Yes, National Radio Astronomy Observatory actively sponsors H-1B visas. They have filed 5 H-1B petitions with a 100.0% approval rate.

What is the average H-1B salary at National Radio Astronomy Observatory?

The average H-1B salary at National Radio Astronomy Observatory is $99,798, with a median of $107,994. Salaries range from $83,491 to $108,534 across 5 filings.

What is National Radio Astronomy Observatory's H-1B approval rate?

National Radio Astronomy Observatory's H-1B approval rate is 100.0%. Out of 5 total filings, 5 were certified, 0 denied, and 0 withdrawn.

How many H-1B visas does National Radio Astronomy Observatory file per year?

National Radio Astronomy Observatory has filed H-1B petitions across 1 fiscal years. Recent volumes: FY2025: 5.

What jobs does National Radio Astronomy Observatory sponsor H-1B visas for?

The most common H-1B job titles at National Radio Astronomy Observatory are: Software Engineer IV, Associate Scientist/Astronomy, Engineering Group Lead, Information Systems, Systems Engineer IV. The top role, Software Engineer IV, accounts for 2 filings.

Where are National Radio Astronomy Observatory's H-1B jobs located?

National Radio Astronomy Observatory's H-1B positions are primarily located in New Mexico (3 filings), Virginia (2 filings).

Is National Radio Astronomy Observatory increasing or decreasing H-1B hiring?

National Radio Astronomy Observatory has filed 5 H-1B petitions total. Insufficient year-over-year data to determine a trend.

What is National Radio Astronomy Observatory's H-1B denial rate?

National Radio Astronomy Observatory has a 0.0% denial rate across 5 filings (0 denied). They have zero denials on record.

What is the salary range for H-1B positions at National Radio Astronomy Observatory?

H-1B salaries at National Radio Astronomy Observatory range from $83,491 to $108,534. The 25th percentile is $90,979, median is $107,994, and 75th percentile is $107,994.

Is National Radio Astronomy Observatory a good H-1B sponsor?

National Radio Astronomy Observatory has a 100.0% approval rate with 5 filings. All 5 FY2025 petitions are for new employment, indicating active recruitment.

How does National Radio Astronomy Observatory's H-1B salary compare to market?

National Radio Astronomy Observatory pays an average of $99,798 for H-1B positions. The highest number of petitions (3) are located in New Mexico, likely reflecting the presence of major observatories.

How does National Radio Astronomy Observatory compare to SETI Institute for H-1B?

NRAO's H-1B sponsorship practices appear stable and focused on specialized technical roles, aligning with other research institutions.

What should I negotiate for an H-1B position at National Radio Astronomy Observatory?

Given the specialized nature of the roles, emphasize your unique technical skills and experience that directly align with the observatory's research needs.

What should H-1B candidates know about National Radio Astronomy Observatory?

The average salary for sponsored positions is $99,798, which is competitive for the specialized fields.

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