H-1B Visa Jobs in Fairfax, VA
Fairfax, VA has 2,383 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Fairfax, VA is $102,107, which is 22% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Fairfax, VA is GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY.
FY 2026 Q1: 37 certified LCAs in Fairfax, VA
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 37 certified H-1B LCAs for Fairfax, VA 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 60 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 38% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (63 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Fairfax, VA is down 41%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 43 (low) to 75 (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 Fairfax, VA.
Salary Analysis for Fairfax, VA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $72,000
- 25th percentile: $86,000
- Median: $102,107
- 75th percentile: $122,699
- 90th percentile: $150,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 690 (30%)
- Level II (Qualified): 1,089 (48%)
- Level III (Experienced): 327 (14%)
- Level IV (Expert): 168 (7%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
- Market share: 9%
- Salary range: $28,080 - $950,232
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Fairfax, VA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Fairfax, VA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY | 207 | $97,213 |
| 2 | CGI TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS | 105 | $110,000 |
| 3 | CGI FEDERAL | 47 | $120,000 |
| 4 | EY | 45 | $122,583 |
| 5 | AIBC SOLUTIONS | 35 | $110,240 |
| 6 | ICF INCORPORATED | 34 | $94,011 |
| 7 | INTELLISOFT TECHNOLOGIES | 34 | $88,500 |
| 8 | COGNIZANT | 33 | $108,805 |
| 9 | INOVA HEALTH CARE SERVICES | 25 | $123,955 |
| 10 | ASCENDING | 23 | $83,200 |
| 11 | ICF RESOURCES | 22 | $82,472 |
| 12 | RUMMEL, KLEPPER & KAHL, LLP | 19 | $97,011 |
| 13 | MICROSOFT | 19 | $152,500 |
| 14 | SEVATEC | 18 | $130,000 |
| 15 | PLATEAU SOFTWARE | 18 | $117,915 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Fairfax, VA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 296 | $101,358 |
| Software Engineer | 155 | $110,323 |
| Assistant Professor | 142 | $107,500 |
| Architect | 67 | $115,066 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 57 | $125,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Fairfax, VA is $102,107, based on 2,383 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 22% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $78,000 range from the 10th percentile ($72,000) to the 90th percentile ($150,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Fairfax, VA earn between $86,000 and $122,699. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 70% at Level II or above.
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Fairfax, VA, with 207 certified filings (9% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $97,213. Among the top sponsors, MICROSOFT pays the highest median at $152,500. The pay spread across top employers is 85%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Fairfax, VA are Software Developer, Software Engineer, Assistant Professor. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Fairfax, VA
What is the average H-1B salary in Fairfax, VA?
The median H-1B salary in Fairfax, VA is $102,107, based on 2,383 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 22% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Fairfax, VA 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
- $72,000
- 25th percentile
- $86,000
- Median
- $102,107
- 75th percentile
- $122,699
- 90th percentile
- $150,000
H-1B salaries in Fairfax, VA range from $72,000 at the 10th percentile to $150,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $78,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $86,000 and the 75th percentile is $122,699.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Fairfax, VA?
Fairfax, VA 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 Fairfax, VA 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 Fairfax, VA:
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Fairfax, VA with 207 filings at a median salary of $97,213. CGI TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS follows with 105 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Fairfax, VA?
Fairfax, VA has 2,383 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 Fairfax, VA 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 Fairfax, VA include .
How does Fairfax, VA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Fairfax, VA's median H-1B salary of $102,107 is 22% 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. Fairfax, VA'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.
Fairfax, VA'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 Fairfax, VA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Fairfax, VA is $150,000, 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 Fairfax, VA earn $150,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $72,000 or less. This $78,000 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.