H-1B Visa Jobs in Detroit, MI
Detroit, MI has 8,008 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Detroit, MI is $95,160, which is 27% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Detroit, MI is HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM.
FY 2026 Q1: 151 certified LCAs in Detroit, MI
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 151 certified H-1B LCAs for Detroit, MI 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 244 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 38% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (212 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Detroit, MI is down 29%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 185 (low) to 402 (peak in FY 2020).
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 Detroit, MI.
Salary Analysis for Detroit, MI
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $64,667
- 25th percentile: $79,498
- Median: $95,160
- 75th percentile: $116,926
- 90th percentile: $150,165
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 1,311 (17%)
- Level II (Qualified): 3,441 (45%)
- Level III (Experienced): 1,733 (23%)
- Level IV (Expert): 1,090 (14%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM
- Market share: 7%
- Salary range: $23,816 - $760,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Detroit, MI
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Detroit, MI
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM | 598 | $88,160 |
| 2 | WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY | 374 | $72,000 |
| 3 | AMAZON | 346 | $141,800 |
| 4 | DELOITTE | 308 | $107,000 |
| 5 | BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN | 283 | $104,414 |
| 6 | QUICKEN LOANS | 262 | $83,500 |
| 7 | ROCKET MORTGAGE | 233 | $100,000 |
| 8 | EY | 227 | $105,000 |
| 9 | COGNIZANT | 208 | $85,509 |
| 10 | AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING | 188 | $121,000 |
| 11 | GENERAL MOTORS | 182 | $119,503 |
| 12 | ROCK CENTRAL | 181 | $90,000 |
| 13 | ACCENTURE | 176 | $100,173 |
| 14 | TATA | 171 | $79,500 |
| 15 | TATA TECHNOLOGIES | 169 | $81,203 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Detroit, MI
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 468 | $90,000 |
| Software Engineer | 404 | $83,242 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 205 | $101,500 |
| Consultant | 201 | $96,000 |
| Assistant Professor | 193 | $100,000 |
| Software Engineer II | 168 | $91,021 |
| Architect | 127 | $107,800 |
| Manager | 122 | $108,035 |
| Data Engineer | 119 | $90,000 |
| Physician | 117 | $198,931 |
| Accountant | 113 | $84,000 |
| Senior Consultant | 98 | $108,035 |
| Project Manager | 72 | $108,035 |
| QA Engineer | 70 | $84,302 |
| Data Scientist | 67 | $95,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Detroit, MI is $95,160, based on 8,008 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 27% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $85,498 range from the 10th percentile ($64,667) to the 90th percentile ($150,165). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Detroit, MI earn between $79,498 and $116,926. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 83% at Level II or above.
HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM is the largest H-1B sponsor in Detroit, MI, with 598 certified filings (7% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $88,160. Among the top sponsors, AMAZON pays the highest median at $141,800. The pay spread across top employers is 97%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Detroit, MI are Software Developer, Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Detroit, MI
What is the average H-1B salary in Detroit, MI?
The median H-1B salary in Detroit, MI is $95,160, based on 8,008 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 27% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Detroit, MI 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
- $64,667
- 25th percentile
- $79,498
- Median
- $95,160
- 75th percentile
- $116,926
- 90th percentile
- $150,165
H-1B salaries in Detroit, MI range from $64,667 at the 10th percentile to $150,165 at the 90th percentile, showing a $85,498 spread. The 25th percentile is $79,498 and the 75th percentile is $116,926.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Detroit, MI?
Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI:
HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM is the largest H-1B sponsor in Detroit, MI with 598 filings at a median salary of $88,160. WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY follows with 374 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Detroit, MI?
Detroit, MI has 8,008 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 Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI include .
How does Detroit, MI compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Detroit, MI's median H-1B salary of $95,160 is 27% 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. Detroit, MI'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.
Detroit, MI'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 Detroit, MI?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Detroit, MI is $150,165, 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 Detroit, MI earn $150,165 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $64,667 or less. This $85,498 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.