H-1B Visa Jobs in Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill, NC has 918 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Chapel Hill, NC is $86,000, which is 34% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707. The largest H-1B sponsor in Chapel Hill, NC is UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL.
FY 2026 Q1: 22 certified LCAs in Chapel Hill, NC
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 22 certified H-1B LCAs for Chapel Hill, 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 30 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 27% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (32 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Chapel Hill, NC is down 31%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 27 (low) to 33 (peak in FY 2023).
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 Chapel Hill, NC.
Salary Analysis for Chapel Hill, NC
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $55,000
- 25th percentile: $63,149
- Median: $86,000
- 75th percentile: $120,000
- 90th percentile: $158,786
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 258 (29%)
- Level II (Qualified): 412 (46%)
- Level III (Experienced): 160 (18%)
- Level IV (Expert): 69 (8%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
- Market share: 67%
- Salary range: $36,504 - $647,282
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Chapel Hill, NC
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Chapel Hill, NC
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL | 612 | $76,814 |
| 2 | TIBCO SOFTWARE | 19 | $98,500 |
| 3 | WISETECH GLOBAL (U.S.) | 16 | $108,410 |
| 4 | HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 11 | $75,000 |
| 5 | AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRICS | 10 | $118,000 |
| 6 | COLLABORATE SOLUTIONS | 8 | $101,109 |
| 7 | MICROSOFT | 8 | $137,000 |
| 8 | LORD AECK SARGENT PLANNING & DESIGN | 7 | $70,000 |
| 9 | AMAZON | 7 | $139,100 |
| 10 | DELOITTE | 6 | $144,079 |
| 11 | CDATA SOFTWARE | 6 | $80,000 |
| 12 | CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOLS | 6 | $51,035 |
| 13 | EY | 5 | $175,000 |
| 14 | V-SOFT CONSULTING GROUP | 5 | $102,000 |
| 15 | LEX NIMBLE SOLUTIONS | 5 | $116,709 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Chapel Hill, NC
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 225 | $110,000 |
| Associate Research Associate | 143 | $58,000 |
| Research Associate | 132 | $62,608 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Chapel Hill, NC is $86,000, based on 918 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 34% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707.
Salaries span a $103,786 range from the 10th percentile ($55,000) to the 90th percentile ($158,786). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Chapel Hill, NC earn between $63,149 and $120,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 71% at Level II or above.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL is the largest H-1B sponsor in Chapel Hill, NC, with 612 certified filings (67% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $76,814. Among the top sponsors, EY pays the highest median at $175,000. The pay spread across top employers is 243%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Chapel Hill, NC are Assistant Professor, Associate Research Associate, Research Associate. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Chapel Hill, NC
What is the average H-1B salary in Chapel Hill, NC?
The median H-1B salary in Chapel Hill, NC is $86,000, based on 918 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 34% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,707. H-1B salaries in Chapel Hill, 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
- $55,000
- 25th percentile
- $63,149
- Median
- $86,000
- 75th percentile
- $120,000
- 90th percentile
- $158,786
H-1B salaries in Chapel Hill, NC range from $55,000 at the 10th percentile to $158,786 at the 90th percentile, showing a $103,786 spread. The 25th percentile is $63,149 and the 75th percentile is $120,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Chapel Hill, NC?
Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill, NC:
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL is the largest H-1B sponsor in Chapel Hill, NC with 612 filings at a median salary of $76,814. TIBCO SOFTWARE follows with 19 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Chapel Hill, NC?
Chapel Hill, NC has 918 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 Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill, NC include .
How does Chapel Hill, NC compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Chapel Hill, NC's median H-1B salary of $86,000 is 34% 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. Chapel Hill, 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.
Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill, NC?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Chapel Hill, NC is $158,786, 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 Chapel Hill, NC earn $158,786 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $55,000 or less. This $103,786 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.