Skip to main content
H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Bethesda, MD

Bethesda, MD has 4,748 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Bethesda, MD is $102,905, which is 21% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Bethesda, MD is NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 77 certified LCAs in Bethesda, MD

Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.

Market cooled — sharply reduced
208
FY 2020
139
FY 2021
150
FY 2022
169
FY 2023
113
FY 2024
145
FY 2025
77
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Bethesda, MD: FY 2020: 208; FY 2021: 139; FY 2022: 150; FY 2023: 169; FY 2024: 113; FY 2025: 145; FY 2026: 77;

Employers filed 77 certified H-1B LCAs for Bethesda, MD 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 154 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 50% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (145 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Bethesda, MD is down 47%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 113 (low) to 208 (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 Bethesda, MD.

4,748
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$102,905
Median Salary
-21% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Bethesda, MD

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $75,000
  • 25th percentile: $87,630
  • Median: $102,905
  • 75th percentile: $125,453
  • 90th percentile: $156,000

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 1,460 (33%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 1,694 (38%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 851 (19%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 447 (10%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS
  • Market share: 25%
  • Salary range: $45,594 - $840,000

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Bethesda, MD

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Bethesda, MD

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS 1,204 $94,199
2 MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL 248 $148,000
3 LTIMINDTREE 153 $102,249
4 ACCENTURE 146 $122,262
5 IBM 118 $115,856
6 KELLY SERVICES 111 $94,952
7 TATA 110 $94,370
8 MEDICAL SCIENCE & COMPUTING 84 $109,969
9 AXLE INFORMATICS 78 $105,000
10 BCG 74 $165,000
11 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH/HHS 61 $83,721
12 BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 61 $133,640
13 LEIDOS 58 $101,462
14 THE HENRY M. JACKSON FOUNDATION 57 $70,000
15 ROCHAMBEAU, THE FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON, DC 55 $72,865

H-1B Salary by Job Title in Bethesda, MD

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Research Fellow 868 $87,600
Software Developer 328 $102,648
Staff Research Scientist 262 $116,413
Software Engineer 206 $110,240
Research Scientist 173 $93,205
Senior Software Engineer 140 $144,137
Architect 101 $122,262
Consultant 92 $165,000
Clinical Fellow 74 $86,641
Senior Software Developer 71 $120,000
Developer 66 $94,370
Systems Analyst 55 $104,500
Project Manager 51 $114,379

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Bethesda, MD is $102,905, based on 4,748 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 21% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $81,000 range from the 10th percentile ($75,000) to the 90th percentile ($156,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Bethesda, MD earn between $87,630 and $125,453. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 67% at Level II or above.

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS is the largest H-1B sponsor in Bethesda, MD, with 1,204 certified filings (25% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $94,199. Among the top sponsors, BCG pays the highest median at $165,000. The pay spread across top employers is 136%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from Bethesda, MD are Research Fellow, Software Developer, Staff Research Scientist. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Bethesda, MD

What is the average H-1B salary in Bethesda, MD?

The median H-1B salary in Bethesda, MD is $102,905, based on 4,748 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 21% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Bethesda, MD 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
$75,000
25th percentile
$87,630
Median
$102,905
75th percentile
$125,453
90th percentile
$156,000

H-1B salaries in Bethesda, MD range from $75,000 at the 10th percentile to $156,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $81,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $87,630 and the 75th percentile is $125,453.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Bethesda, MD?

Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD:

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, HHS is the largest H-1B sponsor in Bethesda, MD with 1,204 filings at a median salary of $94,199. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL follows with 248 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Bethesda, MD?

Bethesda, MD has 4,748 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 Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD include .

How does Bethesda, MD compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Bethesda, MD's median H-1B salary of $102,905 is 21% 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. Bethesda, MD'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.

vs National H-1B Median
Bethesda
$102,905
National
$130,541
-21% below national median

Bethesda, MD'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 Bethesda, MD?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Bethesda, MD is $156,000, 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.

Salary Percentiles
10th
$75,000
25th
$87,630
Median
$102,905
75th
$125,453
90th
$156,000

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Bethesda, MD earn $156,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $75,000 or less. This $81,000 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.