H-1B minimum salary requirements explained. Prevailing wage by occupation, actual H-1B salaries from DOL data, and how wages affect visa approval.
Last updated: April 2026 · Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney.
There is no single minimum salary for H-1B visas. Instead, employers must pay the higher of: (1) the actual wage — what they pay other employees in similar positions, or (2) the prevailing wage — the average wage for the occupation in the geographic area, as determined by the DOL. This means H-1B salaries vary dramatically by occupation, location, and experience level. A software engineer in San Francisco might require $150,000+ while a financial analyst in a smaller city might require $65,000.
Our database of LCA filings shows actual H-1B salaries offered by employers. Key statistics from recent data: the national median H-1B salary is approximately $100,000-$110,000. Technology roles average $120,000-$160,000. Healthcare roles average $80,000-$200,000+ depending on specialty. The highest H-1B salaries are in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Seattle metro areas. Browse our job pages to see detailed salary data by occupation.
The prevailing wage level (1-4) on the LCA increasingly affects H-1B approval chances. Level 1 wages have drawn scrutiny from USCIS as potentially indicating entry-level positions that don't qualify as specialty occupations. Many immigration attorneys now recommend filing at Level 2 or higher to strengthen the petition. Higher wages signal that the position requires specialized knowledge and experience, aligning with the specialty occupation requirement.
There is no fixed minimum. The required salary is the prevailing wage for your specific occupation and work location. This can range from $40,000 for some roles in low-cost areas to $200,000+ for specialized roles in major metros.
On average, H-1B salaries are comparable to or slightly above domestic averages for the same occupations, since employers must pay at least the prevailing wage. However, this varies by occupation and employer.
Your employer can adjust your salary but cannot pay below the prevailing wage listed on the LCA. Any material change in wages or duties may require a new LCA and potentially an H-1B amendment.