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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Foster City, CA

Foster City, CA has 6,734 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Foster City, CA is $137,000, which is 5% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Foster City, CA is GILEAD SCIENCES.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 165 certified LCAs in Foster City, 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
261
FY 2020
213
FY 2021
203
FY 2022
201
FY 2023
131
FY 2024
181
FY 2025
165
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Foster City, CA: FY 2020: 261; FY 2021: 213; FY 2022: 203; FY 2023: 201; FY 2024: 131; FY 2025: 181; FY 2026: 165;

Employers filed 165 certified H-1B LCAs for Foster City, 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 198 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 17% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (181 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Foster City, CA is down 9%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 131 (low) to 261 (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 Foster City, CA.

6,734
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$137,000
Median Salary
+5% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Foster City, CA

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $98,000
  • 25th percentile: $115,253
  • Median: $137,000
  • 75th percentile: $162,386
  • 90th percentile: $190,000

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 512 (8%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 2,394 (39%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 1,572 (26%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 1,595 (26%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: GILEAD SCIENCES
  • Market share: 14%
  • Salary range: $45,427 - $432,400

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Foster City, CA

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Foster City, CA

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 GILEAD SCIENCES 948 $130,960
2 VISA U.S.A. 856 $138,445
3 ZOOX 802 $147,368
4 VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS 770 $142,300
5 ZOOX 295 $167,125
6 QUALYS 290 $135,000
7 CYBERSOURCE 258 $129,513
8 COGNIZANT 204 $118,331
9 ILLUMINA 105 $145,246
10 EXABEAM 81 $160,000
11 QUINSTREET 70 $145,205
12 IBM 58 $120,931
13 HCL 56 $123,300
14 INDEED 48 $187,741
15 ACCENTURE 43 $118,331

H-1B Salary by Job Title in Foster City, CA

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Software Engineer 506 $148,000
Senior Software Engineer 474 $145,000
Staff Software Engineer 304 $147,368
Director 143 $164,600
Research Scientist 139 $127,878
Senior QA Engineer 136 $113,277
Senior Data Scientist 123 $139,235
Data Scientist 115 $121,600
QA Engineer 113 $122,699
Software Developer 105 $120,932
Senior Product Manager 89 $158,080
Senior Data Engineer 87 $138,362
Program Manager 77 $151,882
Validation Engineer 75 $100,000
Product Manager 68 $138,500

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Foster City, CA is $137,000, based on 6,734 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 5% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $92,000 range from the 10th percentile ($98,000) to the 90th percentile ($190,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Foster City, CA earn between $115,253 and $162,386. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 92% at Level II or above.

GILEAD SCIENCES is the largest H-1B sponsor in Foster City, CA, with 948 certified filings (14% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $130,960. Among the top sponsors, INDEED pays the highest median at $187,741. The pay spread across top employers is 59%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from Foster City, CA are Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer, Staff Software Engineer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Foster City, CA

What is the average H-1B salary in Foster City, CA?

The median H-1B salary in Foster City, CA is $137,000, based on 6,734 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 5% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Foster City, 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
$98,000
25th percentile
$115,253
Median
$137,000
75th percentile
$162,386
90th percentile
$190,000

H-1B salaries in Foster City, CA range from $98,000 at the 10th percentile to $190,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $92,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $115,253 and the 75th percentile is $162,386.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Foster City, CA?

Foster City, 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 Foster City, 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 Foster City, CA:

GILEAD SCIENCES
$130,960
VISA U.S.A.
$138,445
ZOOX
$147,368
ZOOX
$167,125

GILEAD SCIENCES is the largest H-1B sponsor in Foster City, CA with 948 filings at a median salary of $130,960. VISA U.S.A. follows with 856 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Foster City, CA?

Foster City, CA has 6,734 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 Foster City, 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 Foster City, CA include .

How does Foster City, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Foster City, CA's median H-1B salary of $137,000 is 5% higher 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. Foster City, 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
Foster City
$137,000
National
$130,541
+5% above national median

Foster City, CA offers above-average H-1B compensation compared to the national median.

What is the highest H-1B salary in Foster City, CA?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Foster City, CA is $190,000, 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.

Salary Percentiles
10th
$98,000
25th
$115,253
Median
$137,000
75th
$162,386
90th
$190,000

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Foster City, CA earn $190,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $98,000 or less. This $92,000 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.