Skip to main content
H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in El Cerrito, CA

El Cerrito, CA has 72 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in El Cerrito, CA is $111,197, which is 15% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in El Cerrito, CA is WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 3 certified LCAs in El Cerrito, CA

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
1
FY 2020
0
FY 2021
1
FY 2022
0
FY 2023
0
FY 2024
3
FY 2025
3
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for El Cerrito, CA: FY 2020: 1; FY 2021: 0; FY 2022: 1; FY 2023: 0; FY 2024: 0; FY 2025: 3; FY 2026: 3;

Employers filed 3 certified H-1B LCAs for El Cerrito, CA 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 2 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 50% above historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (3 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for El Cerrito, CA is up 0%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 1 (low) to 3 (peak in FY 2025).

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 El Cerrito, CA.

72
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$111,197
Median Salary
-15% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for El Cerrito, CA

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $65,125
  • 25th percentile: $83,533
  • Median: $111,197
  • 75th percentile: $140,000
  • 90th percentile: $170,800

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 19 (30%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 33 (52%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 6 (10%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 5 (8%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
  • Market share: 14%
  • Salary range: $38,640 - $240,000

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in El Cerrito, CA

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in El Cerrito, CA

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in El Cerrito, CA is $111,197, based on 72 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 15% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $105,675 range from the 10th percentile ($65,125) to the 90th percentile ($170,800). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in El Cerrito, CA earn between $83,533 and $140,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 70% at Level II or above.

WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT is the largest H-1B sponsor in El Cerrito, CA, with 10 certified filings (14% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $87,640. Among the top sponsors, RALLY HQ pays the highest median at $216,000. The pay spread across top employers is 459%.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in El Cerrito, CA

What is the average H-1B salary in El Cerrito, CA?

The median H-1B salary in El Cerrito, CA is $111,197, based on 72 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 15% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in El Cerrito, CA 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
$65,125
25th percentile
$83,533
Median
$111,197
75th percentile
$140,000
90th percentile
$170,800

H-1B salaries in El Cerrito, CA range from $65,125 at the 10th percentile to $170,800 at the 90th percentile, showing a $105,675 spread. The 25th percentile is $83,533 and the 75th percentile is $140,000.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in El Cerrito, CA?

El Cerrito, CA 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 El Cerrito, CA 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 El Cerrito, CA:

WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT is the largest H-1B sponsor in El Cerrito, CA with 10 filings at a median salary of $87,640. GHAZAL, RODGERS, AND WATANABE DENTAL follows with 5 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in El Cerrito, CA?

El Cerrito, CA has 72 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 El Cerrito, CA 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 El Cerrito, CA include .

How does El Cerrito, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

El Cerrito, CA's median H-1B salary of $111,197 is 15% 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. El Cerrito, CA'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
El Cerrito
$111,197
National
$130,541
-15% below national median

El Cerrito, CA'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 El Cerrito, CA?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in El Cerrito, CA is $170,800, 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
$65,125
25th
$83,533
Median
$111,197
75th
$140,000
90th
$170,800

The top 10% of H-1B workers in El Cerrito, CA earn $170,800 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $65,125 or less. This $105,675 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.