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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Cary, NC

Cary, NC has 10,685 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Cary, NC is $102,300, which is 22% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Cary, NC is HCL.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 198 certified LCAs in Cary, NC

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
353
FY 2020
159
FY 2021
352
FY 2022
309
FY 2023
365
FY 2024
318
FY 2025
198
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Cary, NC: FY 2020: 353; FY 2021: 159; FY 2022: 352; FY 2023: 309; FY 2024: 365; FY 2025: 318; FY 2026: 198;

Employers filed 198 certified H-1B LCAs for Cary, NC 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 309 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 36% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (318 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Cary, NC is down 38%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 159 (low) to 365 (peak in FY 2024).

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 Cary, NC.

10,685
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$102,300
Median Salary
-22% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Cary, NC

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $76,294
  • 25th percentile: $86,000
  • Median: $102,300
  • 75th percentile: $122,260
  • 90th percentile: $144,200

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 921 (9%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 4,942 (48%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 2,752 (27%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 1,710 (17%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: HCL
  • Market share: 9%
  • Salary range: $36,837 - $334,150

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Cary, NC

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Cary, NC

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 HCL 988 $102,300
2 DB GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY 958 $126,071
3 COGNIZANT 871 $94,370
4 TATA 598 $94,203
5 METLIFE GROUP 470 $114,504
6 IBM 417 $82,784
7 CAPGEMINI 185 $89,606
8 SAS INSTITUTE 150 $121,222
9 INFOSYS 116 $78,416
10 SAS INSTITUTE 86 $105,414
11 ZIFO TECHNOLOGIES 85 $80,000
12 CGI TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS 84 $109,262
13 VIMALRAJ 79 $78,000
14 SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA 72 $112,000
15 EPIC GAMES 70 $120,000

H-1B Salary by Job Title in Cary, NC

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Software Developer 840 $101,421
Assistant Vice President 601 $135,000
Software Engineer 530 $101,421
Architect 329 $95,805
Senior Software Engineer 315 $115,058
Senior Systems Analyst 287 $81,952
Project Manager 279 $110,000
Manager 225 $98,925
Consultant 216 $91,291
Analyst 193 $85,000
Associate 184 $110,000
Systems Analyst 177 $84,000
Programmer Analyst - II 140 $89,453
Developer 130 $91,042
Data Engineer 110 $97,968

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Cary, NC is $102,300, based on 10,685 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 22% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $67,906 range from the 10th percentile ($76,294) to the 90th percentile ($144,200). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Cary, NC earn between $86,000 and $122,260. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 91% at Level II or above.

HCL is the largest H-1B sponsor in Cary, NC, with 988 certified filings (9% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $102,300. Among the top sponsors, DB GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY pays the highest median at $126,071. The pay spread across top employers is 62%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from Cary, NC are Software Developer, Assistant Vice President, Software Engineer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Cary, NC

What is the average H-1B salary in Cary, NC?

The median H-1B salary in Cary, NC is $102,300, based on 10,685 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 22% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Cary, NC 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
$76,294
25th percentile
$86,000
Median
$102,300
75th percentile
$122,260
90th percentile
$144,200

H-1B salaries in Cary, NC range from $76,294 at the 10th percentile to $144,200 at the 90th percentile, showing a $67,906 spread. The 25th percentile is $86,000 and the 75th percentile is $122,260.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Cary, NC?

Cary, NC 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 Cary, NC 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 Cary, NC:

HCL
$102,300
COGNIZANT
$94,370
TATA
$94,203
METLIFE GROUP
$114,504

HCL is the largest H-1B sponsor in Cary, NC with 988 filings at a median salary of $102,300. DB GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY follows with 958 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Cary, NC?

Cary, NC has 10,685 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 Cary, NC 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 Cary, NC include .

How does Cary, NC compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Cary, NC's median H-1B salary of $102,300 is 22% 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. Cary, NC'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
Cary
$102,300
National
$130,541
-22% below national median

Cary, NC'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 Cary, NC?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Cary, NC is $144,200, 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
$76,294
25th
$86,000
Median
$102,300
75th
$122,260
90th
$144,200

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Cary, NC earn $144,200 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $76,294 or less. This $67,906 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.