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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, MA has 14,940 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Cambridge, MA is $115,000, which is 12% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Cambridge, MA is MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 267 certified LCAs in Cambridge, 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
424
FY 2020
395
FY 2021
478
FY 2022
385
FY 2023
321
FY 2024
372
FY 2025
267
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Cambridge, MA: FY 2020: 424; FY 2021: 395; FY 2022: 478; FY 2023: 385; FY 2024: 321; FY 2025: 372; FY 2026: 267;

Employers filed 267 certified H-1B LCAs for Cambridge, 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 396 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 33% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (372 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Cambridge, MA is down 28%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 321 (low) to 478 (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 Cambridge, MA.

14,940
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$115,000
Median Salary
-12% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Cambridge, MA

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $69,525
  • 25th percentile: $87,000
  • Median: $115,000
  • 75th percentile: $146,442
  • 90th percentile: $175,000

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 3,359 (23%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 5,181 (36%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 3,127 (22%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 2,769 (19%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Market share: 7%
  • Salary range: $31,242 - $1,000,000

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Cambridge, MA

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Cambridge, MA

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 1,025 $74,160
2 GOOGLE 711 $151,000
3 HARVARD UNIVERSITY 601 $72,800
4 AKAMAI TECHNOLOGIES 568 $130,522
5 AMAZON 471 $149,700
6 NOVARTIS INSTITUTES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH 435 $91,458
7 THE BROAD INSTITUTE 433 $93,000
8 TAKEDA DEVELOPMENT CENTER AMERICAS 429 $144,536
9 MICROSOFT 377 $143,950
10 HUBSPOT 345 $153,000
11 BIOGEN 310 $110,219
12 META 228 $175,000
13 PHILIPS NORTH AMERICA 178 $119,933
14 IBM 170 $127,600
15 CARGURUS 153 $159,000

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

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Cambridge, MA is $115,000, based on 14,940 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $105,475 range from the 10th percentile ($69,525) to the 90th percentile ($175,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Cambridge, MA earn between $87,000 and $146,442. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 77% at Level II or above.

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Cambridge, MA, with 1,025 certified filings (7% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $74,160. Among the top sponsors, META pays the highest median at $175,000. The pay spread across top employers is 140%.

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

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

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

The median H-1B salary in Cambridge, MA is $115,000, based on 14,940 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Cambridge, 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
$69,525
25th percentile
$87,000
Median
$115,000
75th percentile
$146,442
90th percentile
$175,000

H-1B salaries in Cambridge, MA range from $69,525 at the 10th percentile to $175,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $105,475 spread. The 25th percentile is $87,000 and the 75th percentile is $146,442.

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

Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, MA:

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Cambridge, MA with 1,025 filings at a median salary of $74,160. GOOGLE follows with 711 filings.

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

Cambridge, MA has 14,940 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, MA include .

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

Cambridge, MA's median H-1B salary of $115,000 is 12% 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. Cambridge, 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
Cambridge
$115,000
National
$130,541
-12% below national median

Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, MA?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Cambridge, MA is $175,000, 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
$69,525
25th
$87,000
Median
$115,000
75th
$146,442
90th
$175,000

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Cambridge, MA earn $175,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $69,525 or less. This $105,475 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.