Introduction to H1B Salaries
The H1B visa is one of the most sought-after non-immigrant visas for skilled workers aiming to work in the United States. While the application process is complex and competitive, understanding the salary landscape is crucial for both prospective H1B holders and employers. H1B salaries are more than just numbers; they reflect industry trends, economic conditions, and compliance with legal requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about H1B salaries in 2024, including H1b minimum salary requirements, industry trends, and how you can leverage this information to your advantage.
What is avg h1b salary ?
As per job recruiting website Ziprecruiter , as of Aug 27, 2024, the average annual pay for a H1B in the United States is $167,533 a year.
Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $80.54 an hour. This is the equivalent of $3,221/week or $13,961/mont.
You can find a full fledged salary estimator which gives H1b salary for a city and compare it with national average . This can help you to determine if the wages you will be getting is at par or below national average.
Understanding the Basics of H1B Salaries
H1B salaries refer to the wages paid to foreign workers who are employed in the U.S. under the H1B visa program. These salaries are determined by several factors, including job role, experience, industry, and geographic location. Unlike other visa categories, the H1B visa has specific wage requirements to ensure that foreign workers are paid fairly and that U.S. workers are not displaced by lower-cost foreign labor.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) plays a significant role in determining H1B salaries through the establishment of prevailing wage levels. These levels are designed to reflect the average wages paid to similarly employed workers in specific occupations within certain geographic areas. Employers are required to pay H1B workers a wage that is at least equal to the prevailing wage or the actual wage paid to similar workers, whichever is higher.
In 2024, with changes in the global economy and the tech industry’s ongoing evolution, H1B salaries have become a focal point for both applicants and employers. Understanding these salaries not only helps in making informed career decisions but also ensures compliance with U.S. labor laws.
Below table summarizes the H1B salaries for 2024 for big 5 tech companies. Data source :H1bdatainfo
The H1B Minimum Salary: What You Need to Know
The concept of the H1B minimum salary is a critical one. As per US department of labor “The H-1B employer must pay its H-1B worker(s) a wage which is the higher of the prevailing wage or the employer’s actual wage (in-house wage) for similarly employed workers”. This requirement is in place to protect the U.S. labor market by ensuring that foreign workers are not employed at wages significantly lower than those paid to American workers.
What is prevailing wage?
The prevailing wage is the standard pay rate for a specific job in a specific location. It’s determined either by a union contract or, if there’s no union, by the average pay of workers with similar jobs in that area.
The minimum salary is determined by the DOL and is categorized into four wage levels based on the complexity of the job and the experience required:
- Level 1 (Entry-level): Typically for positions requiring basic skills or education.
- Level 2 (Qualified):For roles requiring significant skills, education, and experience.
- Level 3 (Experienced):For workers with considerable experience and higher education.
- Level 4 (Expert): For highly specialized positions requiring advanced knowledge and experience.
In 2024, these levels have seen adjustments due to inflation and market demands, with the tech industry particularly witnessing higher wage levels due to a competitive job market.
Breaking Down the H1B Minimum Salary Requirement
Understanding the H1B minimum salary requirement is crucial for both applicants and employers. Failure to meet these requirements can result in visa denials, audits, or penalties. The minimum salary requirement is not a fixed number; it varies based on the job location, the specific occupation, and the experience level required for the position.
For instance, an entry-level software engineer in a rural area may have a lower minimum salary requirement compared to a senior software engineer in a metropolitan area like San Francisco or New York. The DOL’s wage levels ensure that the salaries paid are reflective of the cost of living and the prevailing wage in the specific geographic location.
Employers must carefully assess the job role and location to determine the correct wage level. This assessment is essential not only for compliance but also for attracting and retaining top talent in competitive fields.
Exploring the H1B Visa Salary Database 2024
One of the most valuable tools for both job seekers and employers is the H1B visa salary databases. These databases provides detailed information on the salaries paid to H1B workers across various industries, job roles, and locations. It’s an essential resource for understanding salary trends, making informed decisions, and ensuring compliance with the minimum salary requirements.
Most of these h1b salary database portals has been updated with the latest data, reflecting the current market trends and wage levels. We have specifically used h1b data info information while writing this blog as it summarize H1b salary data for each company . This database allows users to search for salary information based on job title, employer, location, and more. It’s particularly useful for job seekers looking to negotiate their salaries or employers aiming to benchmark their offers against industry standards.
Here are top 5 h1b salary databases which you can refer to find the H1b jobs data .
Portal | Link |
H1bdata info | |
H1b grader | |
H1binfo | |
Jobsort | |
h1bsalary |
Top Paying Industries and Locations for H1B Visa Holders
In 2024, certain industries and locations continue to offer higher salaries for H1B visa holders. The tech industry remains a leader in offering competitive salaries, especially in hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Austin. Positions in software development, data science, and cybersecurity are among the highest paying, with some roles offering six-figure salaries even at the entry level.
As per ziprecruiter data here the top 10 H1b Salary cities.
City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
Santa Clara, CA | $206,466 | $17,205 | $3,970 | $99.26 |
South San Francisco, CA | $205,164 | $17,097 | $3,945 | $98.64 |
Federal Way, WA | $204,205 | $17,017 | $3,927 | $98.18 |
Washington, DC | $203,449 | $16,954 | $3,912 | $97.81 |
Mountain View, CA | $200,706 | $16,725 | $3,859 | $96.49 |
San Francisco, CA | $198,627 | $16,552 | $3,819 | $95.49 |
Cupertino, CA | $197,270 | $16,439 | $3,793 | $94.84 |
Castro Valley, CA | $196,770 | $16,397 | $3,784 | $94.60 |
Livingston, NJ | $195,812 | $16,317 | $3,765 | $94.14 |
Los Angeles, CA | $195,131 | $16,260 | $3,752 | $93.81 |
Apart from tech, industries like finance, healthcare, and engineering also offer lucrative salaries for H1B workers. Cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., are known for their high-paying roles in finance and consulting, while healthcare and engineering roles are well-compensated in areas like Houston and Chicago.
Here are the top industries avg H1b salary data :
Rank | NAICS Industry | Average Salary |
1 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $160,664 |
2 | Information | $158,322 |
3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $146,779 |
4 | Finance and Insurance | $145,372 |
5 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $140,569 |
6 | Utilities | $129,185 |
7 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $129,030 |
8 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $117,156 |
9 | Wholesale Trade | $116,385 |
10 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | $111,594 |
11 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $110,955 |
12 | Public Administration | $107,262 |
13 | Accommodation and Food Services | $104,687 |
14 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $102,750 |
15 | Construction | $97,892 |
16 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $97,627 |
17 | Educational Services | $87,820 |
Geographic location plays a significant role in determining salaries. Metropolitan areas with high costs of living generally offer higher wages to compensate, while rural areas may offer lower salaries but with a lower cost of living, resulting in similar purchasing power.
How to Negotiate Your H1B Salary
Negotiating your H1B salary is an important step in ensuring that you’re compensated fairly for your skills and experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate the negotiation process:
- Do Your Research: Use the H1B salary database to benchmark your salary against similar roles in your industry and location.
- **Understand Your Worth:** Consider your experience, education, and the demand for your skills when determining your salary expectations.
- **Be Prepared to Negotiate:** Have a clear understanding of the minimum salary requirement for your role and location, and be ready to negotiate with your employer to meet or exceed that level.
- **Consider Benefits and Perks:** Sometimes, benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and relocation assistance can be negotiated as part of your overall compensation package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About H1B Salaries
Q: What is the minimum salary for H1B visa holders in 2024? A: The minimum salary varies based on job role, location, and experience level, but it must meet or exceed the prevailing wage determined by the DOL.
Q: How can I find out the average salary for my job title as an H1B worker? A: You can use the H1B visa salary database to search for salary data based on your job title, industry, and location.
Q: Are there differences in salaries based on geographic location? A: Yes, salaries can vary significantly based on the cost of living and prevailing wage levels in different geographic locations.
Q: Can I negotiate my H1B salary after receiving a job offer? A: Yes, it’s possible to negotiate your salary. Use data from the H1B salary database to support your case during negotiations.
Q: If an H-1B worker is paid less than the required wage rate (the higher of prevailing or actual wage), does the program provide for any recovery of the required wage?
Yes. The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division enforces the H-1B wage provisions and has the authority, after an opportunity for a hearing, to order the employer to pay the required wage rate.
Q: Is there a guaranteed minimum number of hours that must be paid?
Yes. The guaranteed minimum number of hours to be paid for all periods to the H-1B worker is the number of hours that the employer reports on the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129/I-129W), item 5. The guaranteed pay begins when the worker enters into employment, but in no case later than 30 days after the H-1B worker enters the U.S. to take the job or, where the worker is already in the U.S., 60 days after the H-1B worker is authorized to work for the employer.
Conclusion
Understanding H1B salaries is essential for navigating the complexities of the U.S. job market as a foreign worker. By staying informed about the minimum salary requirements, using resources like the H1B visa salary database, and negotiating effectively, you can ensure that you’re fairly compensated for your skills and experience. Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, the information in this guide will help you make informed decisions and succeed in the competitive H1B landscape.
For more resources, including access to our job portal and immigration lawyer directory, visit H1BVisaHub.com.
Data reference – H1b data info and US department of labor
