H-1B Visa Jobs in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY has 3,990 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Buffalo, NY is $97,563, which is 23% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302. The largest H-1B sponsor in Buffalo, NY is STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO.
FY 2026 Q1: 71 certified LCAs in Buffalo, NY
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 71 certified H-1B LCAs for Buffalo, NY 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 96 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 26% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (111 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Buffalo, NY is down 36%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 78 (low) to 111 (peak in FY 2025).
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, NY.
Salary Analysis for Buffalo, NY
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $60,299
- 25th percentile: $75,175
- Median: $97,563
- 75th percentile: $130,000
- 90th percentile: $220,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 715 (22%)
- Level II (Qualified): 1,336 (41%)
- Level III (Experienced): 702 (21%)
- Level IV (Expert): 537 (16%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO
- Market share: 11%
- Salary range: $37,000 - $647,976
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Buffalo, NY
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Buffalo, NY
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO | 420 | $82,000 |
| 2 | M&T BANK | 297 | $115,419 |
| 3 | RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF SUNY AT BUFFALO | 177 | $60,237 |
| 4 | ROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE | 150 | $225,000 |
| 5 | EY | 146 | $150,000 |
| 6 | TESLA | 140 | $101,733 |
| 7 | HSBC TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES (USA) | 111 | $110,000 |
| 8 | HEALTH RESEARCH . - ROSWELL PARK DIVISION | 109 | $63,000 |
| 9 | SLK AMERICA | 101 | $75,317 |
| 10 | SLK AMERICA | 98 | $83,179 |
| 11 | COGNIZANT | 90 | $86,736 |
| 12 | APOGEE MEDICAL GROUP, NEW YORK, PC | 82 | $295,671 |
| 13 | ACADEMIC MEDICINE SERVICES | 67 | $220,000 |
| 14 | INDEPENDENT HEALTH ASSOCIATION | 62 | $122,645 |
| 15 | CATHOLIC HEALTH SYSTEM | 60 | $200,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Buffalo, NY
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 288 | $98,414 |
| Physician | 171 | $285,000 |
| Research Scientist | 163 | $67,059 |
| Software Developer | 117 | $98,717 |
| Software Engineer | 105 | $101,026 |
| Software Engineer II | 79 | $98,509 |
| Staff Physician | 78 | $248,454 |
| Software Engineer III | 76 | $121,077 |
| Associate Research Associate | 59 | $56,368 |
| Architect | 53 | $113,116 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Buffalo, NY is $97,563, based on 3,990 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 23% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302.
Salaries span a $159,701 range from the 10th percentile ($60,299) to the 90th percentile ($220,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Buffalo, NY earn between $75,175 and $130,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 78% at Level II or above.
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO is the largest H-1B sponsor in Buffalo, NY, with 420 certified filings (11% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $82,000. Among the top sponsors, APOGEE MEDICAL GROUP, NEW YORK, PC pays the highest median at $295,671. The pay spread across top employers is 391%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Buffalo, NY are Assistant Professor, Physician, Research Scientist. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Buffalo, NY
What is the average H-1B salary in Buffalo, NY?
The median H-1B salary in Buffalo, NY is $97,563, based on 3,990 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 23% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $126,302. H-1B salaries in Buffalo, NY 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
- $60,299
- 25th percentile
- $75,175
- Median
- $97,563
- 75th percentile
- $130,000
- 90th percentile
- $220,000
H-1B salaries in Buffalo, NY range from $60,299 at the 10th percentile to $220,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $159,701 spread. The 25th percentile is $75,175 and the 75th percentile is $130,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo, NY 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, NY 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, NY:
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO is the largest H-1B sponsor in Buffalo, NY with 420 filings at a median salary of $82,000. M&T BANK follows with 297 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo, NY has 3,990 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, NY 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, NY include .
How does Buffalo, NY compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Buffalo, NY's median H-1B salary of $97,563 is 23% 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. Buffalo, NY'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, NY'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, NY?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Buffalo, NY is $220,000, 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, NY earn $220,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $60,299 or less. This $159,701 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.