H-1B Visa Jobs in Ames, IA
Ames, IA has 965 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Ames, IA is $70,866, which is 46% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Ames, IA is IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
FY 2026 Q1: 18 certified LCAs in Ames, IA
Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.
Employers filed 18 certified H-1B LCAs for Ames, IA in FY 2026 Q1 — the first quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025. The 6-year Q1 baseline (FY 2020–2025) averages 31 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 42% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (28 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Ames, IA is down 36%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 25 (low) to 39 (peak in FY 2020).
These counts reflect DOL LCA certifications with decision_date in Oct–Dec for each fiscal year. LCAs do not distinguish fee-exposed new-hire petitions from extensions, transfers, and change-of-status petitions that are exempt from the $100K fee, so a soft FY 2026 Q1 number does not necessarily mean fewer H-1B workers are in Ames, IA.
Salary Analysis for Ames, IA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $50,796
- 25th percentile: $56,982
- Median: $70,866
- 75th percentile: $95,000
- 90th percentile: $121,226
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 521 (57%)
- Level II (Qualified): 231 (25%)
- Level III (Experienced): 92 (10%)
- Level IV (Expert): 78 (8%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Market share: 70%
- Salary range: $26,000 - $295,801
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Ames, IA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | 680 | $64,000 |
| 2 | DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS (US) | 41 | $94,182 |
| 3 | MCFARLAND CLINIC, P.C | 19 | $208,000 |
| 4 | KINGLAND SYSTEMS | 16 | $70,325 |
| 5 | MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER | 9 | $55,494 |
| 6 | REG SERVICES GROUP | 7 | $104,000 |
| 7 | EY | 7 | $160,349 |
| 8 | WORKIVA | 6 | $120,155 |
| 9 | PROPLANNER | 6 | $70,000 |
| 10 | RAVEN INDUSTRIES | 5 | $95,555 |
| 11 | COMPUNNEL | 4 | $80,000 |
| 12 | ENSOFT | 4 | $80,000 |
| 13 | COGNIZANT | 4 | $71,802 |
| 14 | WORKVIVA | 4 | $127,500 |
| 15 | CALIFORNIA CREATIVE SOLUTIONS | 3 | $76,024 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Ames, IA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Research Associate | 197 | $55,224 |
| Assistant Professor | 162 | $96,995 |
| Research Scientist II | 55 | $61,323 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Ames, IA is $70,866, based on 965 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 46% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $70,430 range from the 10th percentile ($50,796) to the 90th percentile ($121,226). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Ames, IA earn between $56,982 and $95,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level I (entry), with 43% at Level II or above.
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Ames, IA, with 680 certified filings (70% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $64,000. Among the top sponsors, MCFARLAND CLINIC, P.C pays the highest median at $208,000. The pay spread across top employers is 275%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Ames, IA are Associate Research Associate, Assistant Professor, Research Scientist II. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Ames, IA
What is the average H-1B salary in Ames, IA?
The median H-1B salary in Ames, IA is $70,866, based on 965 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 46% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Ames, IA reflect the local cost of living, industry mix, and prevailing wage requirements set by the Department of Labor. The DOL determines minimum wage levels for each occupation and geographic area, ensuring H-1B workers are paid competitively with local labor markets. These salary figures represent base compensation in LCA filings and typically don't include bonuses, stock options, or other benefits.
- 10th percentile
- $50,796
- 25th percentile
- $56,982
- Median
- $70,866
- 75th percentile
- $95,000
- 90th percentile
- $121,226
H-1B salaries in Ames, IA range from $50,796 at the 10th percentile to $121,226 at the 90th percentile, showing a $70,430 spread. The 25th percentile is $56,982 and the 75th percentile is $95,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA has 15+ employers actively sponsoring H-1B visas, ranging from large technology companies to consulting firms, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. H-1B sponsorship patterns in Ames, IA reflect the local economy and industry presence. Major employers sponsor multiple positions across various job functions, while smaller companies may sponsor selectively for specialized roles. When evaluating potential sponsors, consider their sponsorship volume, salary offerings, approval rates, and career growth opportunities.
Top H-1B sponsors in Ames, IA:
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Ames, IA with 680 filings at a median salary of $64,000. DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS (US) follows with 41 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA has 965 certified H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026 across 15+ employers. These LCA filings represent H-1B positions that employers intend to fill, though actual hiring depends on visa lottery selection and USCIS approval. The volume of H-1B activity in Ames, IA indicates strong demand for skilled international workers. Job opportunities span various industries and experience levels, with most positions requiring specialty occupations that need at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field.
The most common H-1B job titles in Ames, IA include .
How does Ames, IA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Ames, IA's median H-1B salary of $70,866 is 46% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. When comparing cities, consider both salary levels and cost of living. Higher salaries in major metro areas often correspond to higher housing, transportation, and everyday expenses. Ames, IA's H-1B market reflects its economic profile, industry presence, and competition for skilled workers. Beyond salary, job seekers should evaluate career growth opportunities, company culture, visa processing track records, and quality of life factors when choosing where to pursue H-1B employment.
Ames, IA's H-1B salaries are below the national median, which may be offset by lower cost of living.
What is the highest H-1B salary in Ames, IA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Ames, IA is $121,226, representing the top tier of H-1B compensation in this market. These high-end salaries typically go to senior engineers, specialized researchers, executives, and professionals with rare expertise. Factors influencing top-tier compensation include years of experience, advanced degrees, specialized skills, and negotiating leverage. Note that H-1B salary data represents base wages filed in LCA applications and may not reflect total compensation including bonuses, stock grants, and benefits that can significantly increase earnings.
The top 10% of H-1B workers in Ames, IA earn $121,226 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $50,796 or less. This $70,430 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.