H-1B Visa Jobs in Berkeley, CA
Berkeley, CA has 3,649 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Berkeley, CA is $106,400, which is 16% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302. The largest H-1B sponsor in Berkeley, CA is UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY.
FY 2026 Q1: 102 certified LCAs in Berkeley, CA
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 102 certified H-1B LCAs for Berkeley, CA 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 92 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 11% above historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (89 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Berkeley, CA is up 15%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 84 (low) to 101 (peak in FY 2022).
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 Berkeley, CA.
Salary Analysis for Berkeley, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $65,808
- 25th percentile: $79,019
- Median: $106,400
- 75th percentile: $141,440
- 90th percentile: $180,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 691 (27%)
- Level II (Qualified): 767 (30%)
- Level III (Experienced): 650 (25%)
- Level IV (Expert): 451 (18%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
- Market share: 30%
- Salary range: $33,696 - $989,280
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Berkeley, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Berkeley, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | 1,081 | $82,836 |
| 2 | LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY | 961 | $108,228 |
| 3 | TYPICAL SET | 91 | $160,000 |
| 4 | MSCI | 63 | $122,000 |
| 5 | BAYER U.S | 61 | $145,000 |
| 6 | HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 51 | $70,000 |
| 7 | MICROSOFT | 39 | $182,108 |
| 8 | HS SOLUTIONS | 27 | $109,970 |
| 9 | FORM ENERGY | 27 | $165,000 |
| 10 | GRABANGO | 26 | $160,000 |
| 11 | SIEMENS | 19 | $136,391 |
| 12 | ARRIS COMPOSITES | 18 | $135,000 |
| 13 | LAWRENCE BERKELEY LABORATORY | 16 | $94,702 |
| 14 | INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE INSTITUTE | 15 | $88,816 |
| 15 | REDWOOD RESEARCH GROUP | 15 | $180,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Berkeley, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate | 686 | $72,876 |
| Research Scientist | 285 | $89,000 |
| Assistant Professor | 190 | $122,200 |
| Software Engineer | 104 | $147,368 |
| Lecturer | 58 | $74,576 |
| Systems Engineer III | 52 | $168,804 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Berkeley, CA is $106,400, based on 3,649 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 16% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302.
Salaries span a $114,192 range from the 10th percentile ($65,808) to the 90th percentile ($180,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Berkeley, CA earn between $79,019 and $141,440. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 73% at Level II or above.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Berkeley, CA, with 1,081 certified filings (30% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $82,836. Among the top sponsors, MICROSOFT pays the highest median at $182,108. The pay spread across top employers is 160%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Berkeley, CA are Research Associate, Research Scientist, Assistant Professor. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Berkeley, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in Berkeley, CA?
The median H-1B salary in Berkeley, CA is $106,400, based on 3,649 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 16% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $126,302. H-1B salaries in Berkeley, CA 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
- $65,808
- 25th percentile
- $79,019
- Median
- $106,400
- 75th percentile
- $141,440
- 90th percentile
- $180,000
H-1B salaries in Berkeley, CA range from $65,808 at the 10th percentile to $180,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $114,192 spread. The 25th percentile is $79,019 and the 75th percentile is $141,440.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley, CA 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 Berkeley, CA 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 Berkeley, CA:
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Berkeley, CA with 1,081 filings at a median salary of $82,836. LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY follows with 961 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley, CA has 3,649 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 Berkeley, CA 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 Berkeley, CA include .
How does Berkeley, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Berkeley, CA's median H-1B salary of $106,400 is 16% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302. 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. Berkeley, CA'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.
Berkeley, CA'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 Berkeley, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Berkeley, CA is $180,000, 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 Berkeley, CA earn $180,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $65,808 or less. This $114,192 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.