H-1B Prevailing Wage & Minimum Salary Checker
Look up the minimum salary an employer must pay for H-1B sponsorship by job title and work location — across all four DOL wage levels.
What is the H-1B prevailing wage requirement?
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, employers sponsoring H-1B workers must pay the higher of either the actual wage paid to similarly employed workers at the same location, or the prevailing wage for the occupation in the geographic area. This requirement exists to prevent H-1B workers from undercutting US worker wages.
The Department of Labor (DOL) sets prevailing wages across four levels based on experience and job complexity. Filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA) — required before the H-1B petition — commits the employer to paying at least the stated prevailing wage for the duration of the worker’s employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four H-1B wage levels?
Level I (entry) applies to workers with basic understanding performing routine tasks under close supervision. Level II (qualified) covers workers with good understanding performing moderately complex tasks. Level III (experienced) applies to workers with substantial experience performing complex tasks with significant judgment. Level IV (fully competent) covers workers with comprehensive knowledge performing highly complex tasks, often in supervisory or senior roles.
What happens if an employer pays below the prevailing wage?
Paying below the prevailing wage stated on the LCA is a serious violation. The DOL can assess back wages owed to the H-1B worker, civil money penalties up to $10,000 per violation, and debarment from future H-1B sponsorship for up to three years. Willful violations carry higher penalties.
Does the prevailing wage change by city?
Yes, significantly. A software developer’s Level II prevailing wage in San Francisco can be $60,000–$80,000 higher than the same role in a smaller metro area. The DOL uses OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) survey data broken down by Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) to determine location-specific wages.
What is an LCA and how does it relate to prevailing wage?
A Labor Condition Application (LCA) is filed with the DOL before submitting the H-1B petition to USCIS. In the LCA, the employer attests to paying the prevailing wage (or actual wage, whichever is higher), providing working conditions that won’t adversely affect similarly employed US workers, and that no strike or lockout exists at the worksite. The LCA is approved electronically and is typically valid for three years.
Is this tool a substitute for an immigration attorney?
No. This tool is for educational and preliminary planning purposes only. H-1B sponsorship involves complex legal requirements, filing deadlines, and significant employer liability. Always work with a qualified immigration attorney and use the official DOL FLAG system for binding prevailing wage determinations before filing an LCA.