Principal Analyst Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Analyst roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Employers in finance, consulting, and tech sponsor this title regularly through LCA filings and, for permanent paths, PERM labor certification.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The primary purpose of the analyst is to research, analyze, interpret, and present data in pursuit of the mission of REMA as a technical expert by delivering solutions to regulators.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Under general direction of the Chief Economist and the Deputy Chief Economist, the Principal Research Analyst is responsible for and owner of one or more primary databases within FINRA’s purview for purposes of REMA's work product. The Principal Research Analyst is the subject matter expert in REMA in his/her area(s) of expertise.
- Serve as an REMA expert for one or more primary databases, encompassing several functions including independently-executed analyses of the relevant data, primary support for rulemaking related to the relevant data, and research using the relevant data.
- Provide expertise in data availability, extraction and manipulation to facilitate economic analysis in support of rulemaking and policy.
- Collect, encode, test, clean, and combine data from multiple systems and documenting complex procedures.
- Independently devise/modify/develop new procedures to solve complex problems considering computer equipment capacity and limitations, operating time and form of desired results.
- Provide expert technical support and analyses of the financial markets, and specifically the intersection of regulation and policy with financial and securities markets.
- Develop a high quality work product that is timely, complete, accurate and of professional appearance.
- Solve novel data and analytical problems.
- Provide to FINRA staff data, information and reporting on a wide range of issues related to the financial products and services marketplace, including regulatory research, regulatory and policy developments.
- Summarize for FINRA staff findings and research in written products of various types, including tables, charts, short summaries, as well as longer analytical policy memos and reports.
- Create and prepare economic analyses, written materials, including briefing or issue papers, and memoranda for senior management and members of the financial industry.
- Provide written and oral status reports on projects.
- Mentor junior analysts develop expertise in data analyses and in the execution of essential job duties.
- Demonstration of FINRA’s values.
- Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, statistics, economics or equivalent with 6 years of related experience or a Master’s degree with 4 years of related experience; advanced degree preferred.
- Proficient in extracting financial and securities-related data from sources including databases (using tools such as SQL) and big data environments.
- Expert quantitative skills, including data analysis using spreadsheets and statistical packages (such as Python, R, SQL, and other programming skills or similar open source tools) to apply academic research to real-world issues and present concise explanations of complex analyses.
- Experience combining data from multiple sources and in assessing data quality, consistency, and completeness.
- Strong empirical background.
- Ability to understand and apply advanced economic and statistical concepts.
- Require advanced knowledge of and training in econometrics, mathematical statistics, or both, as well as good computer skills.
- Excellent communication (interpersonal and writing) skills.
- Ability to analyze complex data and communicate findings and recommendations in clear, concise manner.
- Critical thinking, problem-solving skills.
- Detail-oriented.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
- Extended hours may be required.
COMPENSATION
For work that is performed in CO, CT, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, WA, DC, NY, NJ, WA please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.
- Boston, MA: $112,300 - $202,500
- Chicago, IL: $107,500 - $194,100
- Denver, CO: $97,700 - $176,100
- Jericho, NY: $112,300 - $202,500
- Jersey City, NJ: $117,200 - $211,400
- Philadelphia, PA: $107,500 - $194,100
- New York, NY: $117,200 - $211,400
- Rockville, MD: $112,300 - $202,500
- Tysons, VA: $112,300 - $202,500
- Washington, DC: $112,300 - $202,500
- Woodbridge, NJ: $112,300 - $202,500
- Connecticut State: $97,700 - $211,400
- Washington State: $97,700 - $211,400
LI-Hybrid
To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.
Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.
TIME OFF AND PAID LEAVE
FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program starting at 15 days of paid time off (increasing with years of service, up to 25 days), 5 personal days, and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FINRA’s Code of Conduct imposes restrictions on employees’ investments and requires financial disclosures that are uniquely related to our role as a securities regulator. FINRA employees are required to disclose to FINRA all brokerage accounts that they maintain, and those in which they control trading or have a financial interest (including any trust account of which they are a trustee or beneficiary and all accounts of a spouse, domestic partner or minor child who lives with the employee) and to authorize their broker-dealers to provide FINRA with duplicate statements for all of those accounts. All of those accounts are subject to the Code’s investment and securities account restrictions, and new employees must comply with those investment restrictions—including disposing of any security issued by a company on FINRA’s Prohibited Company List or obtaining a written waiver from their Executive Vice President—by the date they begin employment with FINRA. Employees may only maintain securities accounts that must be disclosed to FINRA at one or more securities firms that provide an electronic feed (e-feed) of data to FINRA, and must move securities accounts from other securities firms to a firm that provides an e-feed within three months of beginning employment.
You can read more about these restrictions here.
As standard practice, employees must also execute FINRA’s Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement without qualification or modification and comply with the company’s policy on nepotism.
WASHINGTON STATE APPLICANTS: click here for required notice(s).
SEARCH FIRM REPRESENTATIVES
Please be advised that FINRA is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. Regardless of past practice, a valid written agreement and task order must be in place before any resumes are submitted to FINRA. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at FINRA without a valid written agreement and task order in place will be deemed the sole property of FINRA and no fee will be paid in the event that person is hired by FINRA.
FINRA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected category, including race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex, or any other status or classification protected by state or local law.
FINRA strives to make our career site accessible to all users. If you need a disability-related accommodation for completing the application process, please contact FINRA’s Employee Relations team at 240-386-4865 or by email at EmployeeRelations@FINRA.org. Please note that this process is exclusively for inquiries regarding accommodations in the application process.
FINRA abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.
FINRA abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.
©2026 FINRA. All rights reserved. FINRA is a registered trademark of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
The primary purpose of the analyst is to research, analyze, interpret, and present data in pursuit of the mission of REMA as a technical expert by delivering solutions to regulators.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Under general direction of the Chief Economist and the Deputy Chief Economist, the Principal Research Analyst is responsible for and owner of one or more primary databases within FINRA’s purview for purposes of REMA's work product. The Principal Research Analyst is the subject matter expert in REMA in his/her area(s) of expertise.
- Serve as an REMA expert for one or more primary databases, encompassing several functions including independently-executed analyses of the relevant data, primary support for rulemaking related to the relevant data, and research using the relevant data.
- Provide expertise in data availability, extraction and manipulation to facilitate economic analysis in support of rulemaking and policy.
- Collect, encode, test, clean, and combine data from multiple systems and documenting complex procedures.
- Independently devise/modify/develop new procedures to solve complex problems considering computer equipment capacity and limitations, operating time and form of desired results.
- Provide expert technical support and analyses of the financial markets, and specifically the intersection of regulation and policy with financial and securities markets.
- Develop a high quality work product that is timely, complete, accurate and of professional appearance.
- Solve novel data and analytical problems.
- Provide to FINRA staff data, information and reporting on a wide range of issues related to the financial products and services marketplace, including regulatory research, regulatory and policy developments.
- Summarize for FINRA staff findings and research in written products of various types, including tables, charts, short summaries, as well as longer analytical policy memos and reports.
- Create and prepare economic analyses, written materials, including briefing or issue papers, and memoranda for senior management and members of the financial industry.
- Provide written and oral status reports on projects.
- Mentor junior analysts develop expertise in data analyses and in the execution of essential job duties.
- Demonstration of FINRA’s values.
- Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, statistics, economics or equivalent with 6 years of related experience or a Master’s degree with 4 years of related experience; advanced degree preferred.
- Proficient in extracting financial and securities-related data from sources including databases (using tools such as SQL) and big data environments.
- Expert quantitative skills, including data analysis using spreadsheets and statistical packages (such as Python, R, SQL, and other programming skills or similar open source tools) to apply academic research to real-world issues and present concise explanations of complex analyses.
- Experience combining data from multiple sources and in assessing data quality, consistency, and completeness.
- Strong empirical background.
- Ability to understand and apply advanced economic and statistical concepts.
- Require advanced knowledge of and training in econometrics, mathematical statistics, or both, as well as good computer skills.
- Excellent communication (interpersonal and writing) skills.
- Ability to analyze complex data and communicate findings and recommendations in clear, concise manner.
- Critical thinking, problem-solving skills.
- Detail-oriented.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
- Extended hours may be required.
COMPENSATION
For work that is performed in CO, CT, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, WA, DC, NY, NJ, WA please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.
- Boston, MA: $112,300 - $202,500
- Chicago, IL: $107,500 - $194,100
- Denver, CO: $97,700 - $176,100
- Jericho, NY: $112,300 - $202,500
- Jersey City, NJ: $117,200 - $211,400
- Philadelphia, PA: $107,500 - $194,100
- New York, NY: $117,200 - $211,400
- Rockville, MD: $112,300 - $202,500
- Tysons, VA: $112,300 - $202,500
- Washington, DC: $112,300 - $202,500
- Woodbridge, NJ: $112,300 - $202,500
- Connecticut State: $97,700 - $211,400
- Washington State: $97,700 - $211,400
LI-Hybrid
To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.
Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.
TIME OFF AND PAID LEAVE
FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program starting at 15 days of paid time off (increasing with years of service, up to 25 days), 5 personal days, and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FINRA’s Code of Conduct imposes restrictions on employees’ investments and requires financial disclosures that are uniquely related to our role as a securities regulator. FINRA employees are required to disclose to FINRA all brokerage accounts that they maintain, and those in which they control trading or have a financial interest (including any trust account of which they are a trustee or beneficiary and all accounts of a spouse, domestic partner or minor child who lives with the employee) and to authorize their broker-dealers to provide FINRA with duplicate statements for all of those accounts. All of those accounts are subject to the Code’s investment and securities account restrictions, and new employees must comply with those investment restrictions—including disposing of any security issued by a company on FINRA’s Prohibited Company List or obtaining a written waiver from their Executive Vice President—by the date they begin employment with FINRA. Employees may only maintain securities accounts that must be disclosed to FINRA at one or more securities firms that provide an electronic feed (e-feed) of data to FINRA, and must move securities accounts from other securities firms to a firm that provides an e-feed within three months of beginning employment.
You can read more about these restrictions here.
As standard practice, employees must also execute FINRA’s Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement without qualification or modification and comply with the company’s policy on nepotism.
WASHINGTON STATE APPLICANTS: click here for required notice(s).
SEARCH FIRM REPRESENTATIVES
Please be advised that FINRA is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. Regardless of past practice, a valid written agreement and task order must be in place before any resumes are submitted to FINRA. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at FINRA without a valid written agreement and task order in place will be deemed the sole property of FINRA and no fee will be paid in the event that person is hired by FINRA.
FINRA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected category, including race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex, or any other status or classification protected by state or local law.
FINRA strives to make our career site accessible to all users. If you need a disability-related accommodation for completing the application process, please contact FINRA’s Employee Relations team at 240-386-4865 or by email at EmployeeRelations@FINRA.org. Please note that this process is exclusively for inquiries regarding accommodations in the application process.
FINRA abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.
FINRA abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.
©2026 FINRA. All rights reserved. FINRA is a registered trademark of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
See all 4,068+ Principal Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Analyst roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Analyst
Align your degree to the role explicitly
Principal Analyst spans finance, operations, and strategy, so your degree field must map directly to the specific discipline on the LCA. A general business degree supporting a quantitative analytics role often triggers an RFE, so document the connection clearly on your resume.
Search LCA filings by job title
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up certified LCAs under 'Principal Analyst' and related titles. Employers who have filed recently are already set up to sponsor, which shortens your timeline from offer to petition filing significantly.
Find sponsors through Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for analyst roles, searchable by city and discipline. Start there to target companies already familiar with the H-1B process rather than educating a first-time sponsor mid-offer.
Clarify seniority before the offer stage
Principal Analyst is a senior individual-contributor title, and some employers classify it under a broader management job code on the LCA. Confirm the exact job title and SOC mapping with HR before the offer is finalized to avoid a prevailing-wage mismatch at filing.
Front-load your PERM documentation
If your employer plans to sponsor permanent residence through PERM, the recruitment process must start well before your H-1B extension period ends. Ask your employer to initiate the prevailing wage determination with DOL early so the labor certification timeline doesn't compress your status window.
Use O*NET to anchor your specialty occupation case
Principal Analyst roles don't have a single locked SOC code, so employers sometimes file under broader codes that weaken the specialty occupation argument. Pull the O*NET profile for the specific code your employer plans to use and confirm it lists a bachelor's degree in a specific field as the entry requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Analyst role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS requires the position to normally require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Principal Analyst roles in finance, data, strategy, and operations typically meet this standard, but the employer must document that the specific duties require specialized theoretical knowledge, not just general business acumen.
What degree fields support an H-1B petition for a Principal Analyst position?
The degree must relate directly to the role's core duties. Economics, statistics, finance, computer science, and engineering are commonly accepted. A liberal arts or general management degree may not satisfy USCIS requirements unless you can show how the coursework directly applies to the analytical functions in the job description.
How do I find Principal Analyst jobs where employers are already set up to sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate shows verified sponsorship history for analyst roles across industries, so you can target employers who have filed LCAs before rather than starting the conversation from scratch. Companies experienced with sponsorship process petitions faster and with fewer complications than first-time sponsors.
Can a Principal Analyst role support a green card through EB-2 or EB-3?
Yes. Principal Analyst positions typically qualify under EB-2 if the role requires an advanced degree, or EB-3 as a skilled worker with two or more years of experience. The employer files a PERM labor certification with DOL to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available, then proceeds to the I-140 petition with USCIS.
What happens to my H-1B status if my employer is acquired or restructured after the petition is approved?
If the acquiring entity assumes all liabilities and your job duties, title, and worksite remain materially the same, you can typically continue working without a new petition. USCIS guidance allows this under successor-in-interest rules. If your role changes substantially, your employer must file an amended H-1B petition before the change takes effect.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Principal Analyst jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.