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

H-1B Visa Jobs in Boston, MA

Boston, MA has 41,004 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Boston, MA is $110,000, which is 16% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707. The largest H-1B sponsor in Boston, MA is WAYFAIR.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 819 certified LCAs in Boston, MA

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

Market softened — below baseline
1,260
FY 2020
813
FY 2021
1,255
FY 2022
1,022
FY 2023
978
FY 2024
1,142
FY 2025
819
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Boston, MA: FY 2020: 1,260; FY 2021: 813; FY 2022: 1,255; FY 2023: 1,022; FY 2024: 978; FY 2025: 1,142; FY 2026: 819;

Employers filed 819 certified H-1B LCAs for Boston, MA 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 1,078 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 24% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (1,142 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Boston, MA is down 28%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 813 (low) to 1,260 (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 Boston, MA.

41,004
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$110,000
Median Salary
-16% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Boston, MA

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $67,392
  • 25th percentile: $83,720
  • Median: $110,000
  • 75th percentile: $143,572
  • 90th percentile: $179,837

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 9,826 (26%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 14,728 (38%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 8,051 (21%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 5,650 (15%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: WAYFAIR
  • Market share: 5%
  • Salary range: $32,885 - $989,988

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Boston, MA

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Boston, MA

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 WAYFAIR 2,129 $145,000
2 AMAZON 1,888 $144,000
3 EY 1,566 $110,000
4 BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL 1,037 $74,859
5 CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL 906 $76,000
6 DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE 903 $75,000
7 DELOITTE 878 $110,677
8 GENERAL HOSPITAL 815 $66,600
9 HARVARD UNIVERSITY 693 $76,000
10 TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY 679 $92,165
11 VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED 658 $119,000
12 NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY 530 $104,000
13 CHEWY 469 $145,000
14 STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST 469 $124,987
15 BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER 450 $75,234

H-1B Salary by Job Title in Boston, MA

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Research Fellow 1,863 $65,000
Software Engineer 1,394 $110,240
Senior Software Engineer 1,378 $135,658
Software Engineer II 943 $146,100
Software Developer 908 $105,000
Assistant Professor 726 $121,296
Consultant 701 $115,000
Research Scientist 688 $86,700
Accountant 587 $91,441
Architect 556 $91,874
Data Scientist 524 $115,000
Clinical Fellow 518 $91,225
Resident 428 $76,435
Manager 415 $150,000
Physician 401 $208,000

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Boston, MA is $110,000, based on 41,004 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 16% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707.

Salaries span a $112,445 range from the 10th percentile ($67,392) to the 90th percentile ($179,837). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Boston, MA earn between $83,720 and $143,572. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 74% at Level II or above.

WAYFAIR is the largest H-1B sponsor in Boston, MA, with 2,129 certified filings (5% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $145,000. The pay spread across top employers is 118%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from Boston, MA are Research Fellow, Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Boston, MA

What is the average H-1B salary in Boston, MA?

The median H-1B salary in Boston, MA is $110,000, based on 41,004 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 16% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,707. H-1B salaries in Boston, MA 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
$67,392
25th percentile
$83,720
Median
$110,000
75th percentile
$143,572
90th percentile
$179,837

H-1B salaries in Boston, MA range from $67,392 at the 10th percentile to $179,837 at the 90th percentile, showing a $112,445 spread. The 25th percentile is $83,720 and the 75th percentile is $143,572.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Boston, MA?

Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA:

WAYFAIR
$145,000
AMAZON
$144,000
EY
$110,000

WAYFAIR is the largest H-1B sponsor in Boston, MA with 2,129 filings at a median salary of $145,000. AMAZON follows with 1,888 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Boston, MA?

Boston, MA has 41,004 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 Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA include .

How does Boston, MA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Boston, MA's median H-1B salary of $110,000 is 16% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707. 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. Boston, MA'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
Boston
$110,000
National
$130,707
-16% below national median

Boston, MA'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 Boston, MA?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Boston, MA is $179,837, 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
$67,392
25th
$83,720
Median
$110,000
75th
$143,572
90th
$179,837

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Boston, MA earn $179,837 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $67,392 or less. This $112,445 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.