H-1B Visa Jobs in Goleta, CA
Goleta, CA has 682 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Goleta, CA is $116,938, which is 11% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707. The largest H-1B sponsor in Goleta, CA is DECKERS OUTDOOR.
FY 2026 Q1: 21 certified LCAs in Goleta, CA
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 21 certified H-1B LCAs for Goleta, 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 15 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 40% above historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (10 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Goleta, CA is up 110%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 8 (low) to 32 (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 Goleta, CA.
Salary Analysis for Goleta, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $36,670
- 25th percentile: $86,100
- Median: $116,938
- 75th percentile: $145,000
- 90th percentile: $170,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 148 (23%)
- Level II (Qualified): 281 (43%)
- Level III (Experienced): 153 (23%)
- Level IV (Expert): 75 (11%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: DECKERS OUTDOOR
- Market share: 13%
- Salary range: $29,474 - $375,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Goleta, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Goleta, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DECKERS OUTDOOR | 89 | $127,000 |
| 2 | THE DEVEREUX FOUNDATION | 86 | $33,800 |
| 3 | APPFOLIO | 64 | $127,000 |
| 4 | 59 | $170,000 | |
| 5 | YARDI SYSTEMS | 42 | $133,973 |
| 6 | APPFOLIO | 21 | $115,000 |
| 7 | VMWARE | 13 | $130,000 |
| 8 | TELADOC HEALTH | 13 | $95,638 |
| 9 | COGNIZANT | 12 | $119,600 |
| 10 | LOGMEIN USA | 11 | $120,000 |
| 11 | DIGITAL SURGERY SYSTEMS | 10 | $110,989 |
| 12 | WYATT TECHNOLOGY | 8 | $104,000 |
| 13 | QUINTESSENT | 7 | $135,000 |
| 14 | TRANSPHORM | 7 | $125,000 |
| 15 | SONOS | 7 | $140,962 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Goleta, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 80 | $115,000 |
| Direct Care Professional | 67 | $29,474 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Goleta, CA is $116,938, based on 682 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 11% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707.
Salaries span a $133,330 range from the 10th percentile ($36,670) to the 90th percentile ($170,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Goleta, CA earn between $86,100 and $145,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 77% at Level II or above.
DECKERS OUTDOOR is the largest H-1B sponsor in Goleta, CA, with 89 certified filings (13% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $127,000. Among the top sponsors, GOOGLE pays the highest median at $170,000. The pay spread across top employers is 403%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Goleta, CA are Software Engineer, Direct Care Professional. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Goleta, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in Goleta, CA?
The median H-1B salary in Goleta, CA is $116,938, based on 682 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 11% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,707. H-1B salaries in Goleta, 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
- $36,670
- 25th percentile
- $86,100
- Median
- $116,938
- 75th percentile
- $145,000
- 90th percentile
- $170,000
H-1B salaries in Goleta, CA range from $36,670 at the 10th percentile to $170,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $133,330 spread. The 25th percentile is $86,100 and the 75th percentile is $145,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Goleta, CA?
Goleta, 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 Goleta, 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 Goleta, CA:
DECKERS OUTDOOR is the largest H-1B sponsor in Goleta, CA with 89 filings at a median salary of $127,000. THE DEVEREUX FOUNDATION follows with 86 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Goleta, CA?
Goleta, CA has 682 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 Goleta, 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 Goleta, CA include .
How does Goleta, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Goleta, CA's median H-1B salary of $116,938 is 11% 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. Goleta, 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.
Goleta, 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 Goleta, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Goleta, CA is $170,000, 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 Goleta, CA earn $170,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $36,670 or less. This $133,330 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.