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 prevailing-wage system uses four levels that generally progress from entry-level work to roles requiring greater experience, judgment, or responsibility. A level is not chosen from salary alone, and it should not be presented as a simple fixed percentile. The occupation, area, requirements, and current official wage source all matter.
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
The employer attests on the LCA that it will meet the required wage obligation. Wage compliance can be investigated and enforced, and violations may lead to back-wage liability or other penalties. A candidate should compare the offered wage with the current official prevailing-wage source and ask the employer or counsel how the position was classified.
5Salary Data on This Site
Salary figures on this site are base wage values reported on historical LCAs. They are useful research benchmarks, but they are not proof of wages ultimately paid and exclude equity, bonuses, benefits, and other compensation. Compare the same occupation, location, and period before drawing conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum H1B salary?
There is no single universal H1B salary. The required wage depends on the position, worksite, employer's actual-wage obligation, and the applicable prevailing wage. Use the current official wage source and case-specific advice rather than a nationwide salary threshold.
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.
Put the guide into practice
Turn the next decision into a shortlist
Use the tools with the facts in this guide. Historical evidence helps prioritize research; it does not determine legal eligibility or a role's sponsorship policy.