H-1B Visa Jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL
Buffalo Grove, IL has 2,101 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Buffalo Grove, IL is $104,624, which is 20% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Buffalo Grove, IL is COGNIZANT.
FY 2026 Q1: 65 certified LCAs in Buffalo Grove, IL
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 65 certified H-1B LCAs for Buffalo Grove, IL 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 67 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 3% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (63 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Buffalo Grove, IL is up 3%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 51 (low) to 93 (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 Buffalo Grove, IL.
Salary Analysis for Buffalo Grove, IL
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $76,045
- 25th percentile: $88,150
- Median: $104,624
- 75th percentile: $127,876
- 90th percentile: $155,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 110 (5%)
- Level II (Qualified): 952 (46%)
- Level III (Experienced): 553 (27%)
- Level IV (Expert): 454 (22%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: COGNIZANT
- Market share: 14%
- Salary range: $43,000 - $254,030
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Buffalo Grove, IL
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Buffalo Grove, IL
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COGNIZANT | 299 | $93,600 |
| 2 | CAREMARK | 188 | $125,154 |
| 3 | HEADSTRONG SERVICES | 104 | $93,558 |
| 4 | FLEXTRONICS INTERNATIONAL USA | 78 | $95,000 |
| 5 | CVS PHARMACY | 65 | $151,024 |
| 6 | CVS PHARMACY | 53 | $132,664 |
| 7 | CAPGEMINI | 53 | $108,077 |
| 8 | TATA | 44 | $78,354 |
| 9 | DFS CORPORATE SERVICES | 44 | $107,931 |
| 10 | DISCOVER PRODUCTS | 39 | $80,000 |
| 11 | PHOTON INFOTECH | 29 | $108,500 |
| 12 | ZORO TOOLS | 28 | $94,500 |
| 13 | ACCENTURE | 23 | $113,700 |
| 14 | GENPACT | 21 | $87,838 |
| 15 | EY | 20 | $165,263 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Buffalo Grove, IL
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 117 | $94,016 |
| Manager | 88 | $92,061 |
| Software Engineer | 84 | $101,728 |
| Principal Consultant | 69 | $100,000 |
| Senior Systems Analyst | 60 | $73,882 |
| Architect | 57 | $107,931 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 57 | $134,118 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Buffalo Grove, IL is $104,624, based on 2,101 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 20% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $78,955 range from the 10th percentile ($76,045) to the 90th percentile ($155,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Buffalo Grove, IL earn between $88,150 and $127,876. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 95% at Level II or above.
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor in Buffalo Grove, IL, with 299 certified filings (14% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $93,600. Among the top sponsors, EY pays the highest median at $165,263. The pay spread across top employers is 111%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Buffalo Grove, IL are Software Developer, Manager, Software Engineer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL
What is the average H-1B salary in Buffalo Grove, IL?
The median H-1B salary in Buffalo Grove, IL is $104,624, based on 2,101 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 20% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Buffalo Grove, IL 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
- $76,045
- 25th percentile
- $88,150
- Median
- $104,624
- 75th percentile
- $127,876
- 90th percentile
- $155,000
H-1B salaries in Buffalo Grove, IL range from $76,045 at the 10th percentile to $155,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $78,955 spread. The 25th percentile is $88,150 and the 75th percentile is $127,876.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Buffalo Grove, IL?
Buffalo Grove, IL 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 Buffalo Grove, IL 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 Buffalo Grove, IL:
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor in Buffalo Grove, IL with 299 filings at a median salary of $93,600. CAREMARK follows with 188 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Buffalo Grove, IL?
Buffalo Grove, IL has 2,101 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 Buffalo Grove, IL 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 Buffalo Grove, IL include .
How does Buffalo Grove, IL compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Buffalo Grove, IL's median H-1B salary of $104,624 is 20% 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. Buffalo Grove, IL'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.
Buffalo Grove, IL'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 Buffalo Grove, IL?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Buffalo Grove, IL is $155,000, 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 Buffalo Grove, IL earn $155,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $76,045 or less. This $78,955 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.