H1B Visa Salary Requirements Explained
How H1B prevailing wages work, what wage levels I through IV mean, and how to ensure your offered salary meets DOL requirements.
1The Prevailing Wage Requirement
Every H1B petition requires the employer to pay the greater of: (1) the actual wage paid to similarly employed workers at the company, or (2) the prevailing wage for the occupation in the geographic area. This is enforced through the LCA filed with the DOL before the H1B petition.
2The Four Wage Levels
The DOL divides prevailing wages into four levels based on experience, education, and job complexity. Level I is entry-level (25th percentile of wages for the occupation), Level II is qualified workers (median), Level III is experienced workers (75th percentile), and Level IV is fully competent specialists (near the top of the pay range). Most H1B workers are classified at Level I or II.
3How Prevailing Wages Are Set
The DOL uses data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey to set prevailing wages by occupation and location. The wages vary significantly by city — a Software Developer Level II in San Francisco earns a much higher prevailing wage than the same role in a rural area. This is why where you work matters as much as what you do for H1B salary purposes.
4What Happens If Wages Don't Meet Requirements
If an employer files an LCA with wages below the prevailing wage, the DOL will reject or withdraw the LCA. Without an approved LCA, the H1B petition cannot proceed. Employers found to underpay H1B workers can face fines, debarment from future H1B sponsorships, and liability for back wages.
5Salary Data on This Site
All salary data on this site comes from actual LCA filings, which means the salaries shown are the wages employers committed to pay when filing with DOL. This gives you reliable benchmarks to evaluate whether an offer is fair for your role, level, and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum H1B salary?
There is no single minimum H1B salary — it depends on the occupation and location. The floor is the prevailing wage Level I for your SOC code and metro area. For software developers, this ranges from about $70K in low-cost areas to $140K+ in San Francisco.
Can an employer lower my salary after getting an H1B?
No. Once an employer commits to a wage on the LCA, they must pay at least that wage for the duration. Any material change (like a pay cut) may require filing a new LCA and potentially an amended H1B petition.