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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Durham, NC

Durham, NC has 18,645 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Durham, NC is $108,410, which is 17% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707. The largest H-1B sponsor in Durham, NC is FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 507 certified LCAs in Durham, 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 remains active
594
FY 2020
421
FY 2021
601
FY 2022
499
FY 2023
678
FY 2024
575
FY 2025
507
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Durham, NC: FY 2020: 594; FY 2021: 421; FY 2022: 601; FY 2023: 499; FY 2024: 678; FY 2025: 575; FY 2026: 507;

Employers filed 507 certified H-1B LCAs for Durham, 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 561 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 10% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (575 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Durham, NC is down 12%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 421 (low) to 678 (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 Durham, NC.

18,645
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$108,410
Median Salary
-17% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Durham, NC

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $76,687
  • 25th percentile: $90,147
  • Median: $108,410
  • 75th percentile: $125,000
  • 90th percentile: $144,125

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 1,833 (11%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 8,257 (48%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 4,407 (26%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 2,685 (16%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP
  • Market share: 18%
  • Salary range: $34,674 - $960,000

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Durham, NC

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Durham, NC

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP 3,302 $110,365
2 DUKE UNIVERSITY 1,159 $68,435
3 FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP, D/B/A FIDELITY INVESTMENTS 1,127 $124,681
4 COMPUNNEL 945 $108,750
5 IBM 926 $107,016
6 COGNIZANT 402 $90,584
7 NETAPP 376 $135,000
8 GOOGLE 265 $126,000
9 FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES 227 $106,870
10 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE 198 $133,523
11 LABORATORY OF AMERICA HOLDINGS 182 $127,000
12 KFORCE 167 $110,365
13 DIGIPULSE TECHNOLOGIES 150 $124,000
14 MASTECH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES 148 $110,365
15 TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS 143 $119,253

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

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Durham, NC is $108,410, based on 18,645 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 17% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707.

Salaries span a $67,438 range from the 10th percentile ($76,687) to the 90th percentile ($144,125). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Durham, NC earn between $90,147 and $125,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 89% at Level II or above.

FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP is the largest H-1B sponsor in Durham, NC, with 3,302 certified filings (18% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $110,365. Among the top sponsors, NETAPP pays the highest median at $135,000. The pay spread across top employers is 97%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from Durham, NC 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 Durham, NC

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

The median H-1B salary in Durham, NC is $108,410, based on 18,645 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 17% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,707. H-1B salaries in Durham, 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
$76,687
25th percentile
$90,147
Median
$108,410
75th percentile
$125,000
90th percentile
$144,125

H-1B salaries in Durham, NC range from $76,687 at the 10th percentile to $144,125 at the 90th percentile, showing a $67,438 spread. The 25th percentile is $90,147 and the 75th percentile is $125,000.

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

Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham, NC:

FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP is the largest H-1B sponsor in Durham, NC with 3,302 filings at a median salary of $110,365. DUKE UNIVERSITY follows with 1,159 filings.

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

Durham, NC has 18,645 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 Durham, 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 Durham, NC include .

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

Durham, NC's median H-1B salary of $108,410 is 17% 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. Durham, 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
Durham
$108,410
National
$130,707
-17% below national median

Durham, 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 Durham, NC?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Durham, NC is $144,125, 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
$76,687
25th
$90,147
Median
$108,410
75th
$125,000
90th
$144,125

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Durham, NC earn $144,125 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $76,687 or less. This $67,438 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.