H-1B Visa Jobs in Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins, CO has 1,187 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Fort Collins, CO is $95,000, which is 27% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Fort Collins, CO is COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY.
FY 2026 Q1: 24 certified LCAs in Fort Collins, CO
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 24 certified H-1B LCAs for Fort Collins, CO 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 31 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 23% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (38 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Fort Collins, CO is down 37%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 17 (low) to 38 (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 Fort Collins, CO.
Salary Analysis for Fort Collins, CO
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $60,000
- 25th percentile: $75,546
- Median: $95,000
- 75th percentile: $120,000
- 90th percentile: $147,805
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 362 (31%)
- Level II (Qualified): 438 (37%)
- Level III (Experienced): 199 (17%)
- Level IV (Expert): 170 (15%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Market share: 29%
- Salary range: $38,212 - $416,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Fort Collins, CO
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Fort Collins, CO
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY | 349 | $74,000 |
| 2 | INTEL | 85 | $99,902 |
| 3 | HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE | 76 | $130,000 |
| 4 | AMD | 75 | $117,936 |
| 5 | ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES | 58 | $96,325 |
| 6 | HP | 31 | $118,726 |
| 7 | MICROSOFT | 26 | $151,040 |
| 8 | MPHASIS | 25 | $69,923 |
| 9 | WIPRO | 21 | $74,131 |
| 10 | KFORCE | 11 | $98,592 |
| 11 | CAPGEMINI | 10 | $92,810 |
| 12 | SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SMART GRID SOLUTIONS | 10 | $125,634 |
| 13 | TAPROOT SOLUTIONS | 8 | $95,000 |
| 14 | DATAQUEST | 8 | $102,000 |
| 15 | WOODWARD | 8 | $115,045 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Fort Collins, CO
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 107 | $93,750 |
| Software Engineer | 87 | $105,664 |
| Principal Research Associate | 76 | $57,000 |
| Component Design Engineer | 62 | $96,117 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Fort Collins, CO is $95,000, based on 1,187 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 $87,805 range from the 10th percentile ($60,000) to the 90th percentile ($147,805). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Fort Collins, CO earn between $75,546 and $120,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 69% at Level II or above.
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Fort Collins, CO, with 349 certified filings (29% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $74,000. Among the top sponsors, MICROSOFT pays the highest median at $151,040. The pay spread across top employers is 116%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Fort Collins, CO are Assistant Professor, Software Engineer, Principal Research Associate. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Fort Collins, CO
What is the average H-1B salary in Fort Collins, CO?
The median H-1B salary in Fort Collins, CO is $95,000, based on 1,187 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 Fort Collins, CO 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
- $60,000
- 25th percentile
- $75,546
- Median
- $95,000
- 75th percentile
- $120,000
- 90th percentile
- $147,805
H-1B salaries in Fort Collins, CO range from $60,000 at the 10th percentile to $147,805 at the 90th percentile, showing a $87,805 spread. The 25th percentile is $75,546 and the 75th percentile is $120,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Fort Collins, CO?
Fort Collins, CO 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 Fort Collins, CO 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 Fort Collins, CO:
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Fort Collins, CO with 349 filings at a median salary of $74,000. INTEL follows with 85 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Fort Collins, CO?
Fort Collins, CO has 1,187 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 Fort Collins, CO 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 Fort Collins, CO include .
How does Fort Collins, CO compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Fort Collins, CO's median H-1B salary of $95,000 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. Fort Collins, CO'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.
Fort Collins, CO'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 Fort Collins, CO?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Fort Collins, CO is $147,805, 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 Fort Collins, CO earn $147,805 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $60,000 or less. This $87,805 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.