H-1B Visa Jobs in Dekalb, IL
Dekalb, IL has 244 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Dekalb, IL is $80,000, which is 39% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Dekalb, IL is NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY.
FY 2026 Q1: 10 certified LCAs in Dekalb, 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 10 certified H-1B LCAs for Dekalb, 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 8 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 25% above historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (8 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Dekalb, IL is up 25%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 5 (low) to 10 (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 Dekalb, IL.
Salary Analysis for Dekalb, IL
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $55,296
- 25th percentile: $69,000
- Median: $80,000
- 75th percentile: $100,000
- 90th percentile: $130,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 80 (44%)
- Level II (Qualified): 67 (37%)
- Level III (Experienced): 22 (12%)
- Level IV (Expert): 12 (7%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
- Market share: 56%
- Salary range: $40,000 - $293,374
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Dekalb, IL
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Dekalb, IL
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY | 136 | $75,193 |
| 2 | M. A. MORTENSON | 20 | $93,600 |
| 3 | GRANDISON MANAGEMENT | 7 | $71,406 |
| 4 | DEKALB COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 428 | 6 | $52,000 |
| 5 | NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE | 5 | $59,696 |
| 6 | LHP DATA ANALYTIC SOLUTIONS | 3 | $94,500 |
| 7 | 3M | 3 | $281,639 |
| 8 | MICROSOFT | 2 | $155,000 |
| 9 | ALPINE SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS | 2 | $98,800 |
| 10 | MAHAUGHA | 2 | $87,900 |
| 11 | META | 2 | $134,992 |
| 12 | EFICENS SYSTEMS | 2 | $91,000 |
| 13 | GOLDFRAME | 2 | $175,420 |
| 14 | TAITCONSULTINGGROUP | 2 | $94,016 |
| 15 | AEGIS THERAPIES | 2 | $82,160 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Dekalb, IL
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 53 | $80,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Dekalb, IL is $80,000, based on 244 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 39% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $74,704 range from the 10th percentile ($55,296) to the 90th percentile ($130,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Dekalb, IL earn between $69,000 and $100,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level I (entry), with 56% at Level II or above.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Dekalb, IL, with 136 certified filings (56% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $75,193. Among the top sponsors, 3M pays the highest median at $281,639. The pay spread across top employers is 442%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Dekalb, IL are Assistant Professor. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Dekalb, IL
What is the average H-1B salary in Dekalb, IL?
The median H-1B salary in Dekalb, IL is $80,000, based on 244 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 39% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Dekalb, 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
- $55,296
- 25th percentile
- $69,000
- Median
- $80,000
- 75th percentile
- $100,000
- 90th percentile
- $130,000
H-1B salaries in Dekalb, IL range from $55,296 at the 10th percentile to $130,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $74,704 spread. The 25th percentile is $69,000 and the 75th percentile is $100,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Dekalb, IL?
Dekalb, 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 Dekalb, 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 Dekalb, IL:
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Dekalb, IL with 136 filings at a median salary of $75,193. M. A. MORTENSON follows with 20 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Dekalb, IL?
Dekalb, IL has 244 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 Dekalb, 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 Dekalb, IL include .
How does Dekalb, IL compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Dekalb, IL's median H-1B salary of $80,000 is 39% 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. Dekalb, 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.
Dekalb, 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 Dekalb, IL?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Dekalb, IL is $130,000, 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 Dekalb, IL earn $130,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $55,296 or less. This $74,704 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.