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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Hickory, NC

Hickory, NC has 115 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Hickory, NC is $94,000, which is 28% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Hickory, NC is CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 2 certified LCAs in Hickory, NC

Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.

Market cooled — sharply reduced
1
FY 2020
4
FY 2021
5
FY 2022
5
FY 2023
3
FY 2024
3
FY 2025
2
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Hickory, NC: FY 2020: 1; FY 2021: 4; FY 2022: 5; FY 2023: 5; FY 2024: 3; FY 2025: 3; FY 2026: 2;

Employers filed 2 certified H-1B LCAs for Hickory, NC 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 4 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 50% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (3 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Hickory, NC is down 33%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 1 (low) to 5 (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 Hickory, NC.

115
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$94,000
Median Salary
-28% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Hickory, NC

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $65,229
  • 25th percentile: $79,685
  • Median: $94,000
  • 75th percentile: $126,402
  • 90th percentile: $235,000

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 22 (22%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 40 (39%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 12 (12%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 28 (27%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS
  • Market share: 12%
  • Salary range: $30,000 - $350,000

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Hickory, NC

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Hickory, NC

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Hickory, NC is $94,000, based on 115 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 28% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $169,771 range from the 10th percentile ($65,229) to the 90th percentile ($235,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Hickory, NC earn between $79,685 and $126,402. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 78% at Level II or above.

CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS is the largest H-1B sponsor in Hickory, NC, with 14 certified filings (12% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $106,000. Among the top sponsors, APOGEE MEDICAL GROUP, NORTH CAROLINA, PC pays the highest median at $305,000. The pay spread across top employers is 355%.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Hickory, NC

What is the average H-1B salary in Hickory, NC?

The median H-1B salary in Hickory, NC is $94,000, based on 115 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 28% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Hickory, NC 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
$65,229
25th percentile
$79,685
Median
$94,000
75th percentile
$126,402
90th percentile
$235,000

H-1B salaries in Hickory, NC range from $65,229 at the 10th percentile to $235,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $169,771 spread. The 25th percentile is $79,685 and the 75th percentile is $126,402.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Hickory, NC?

Hickory, NC 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 Hickory, NC 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 Hickory, NC:

CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS is the largest H-1B sponsor in Hickory, NC with 14 filings at a median salary of $106,000. LENOIR-RHYNE UNIVERSITY follows with 11 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Hickory, NC?

Hickory, NC has 115 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 Hickory, NC 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 Hickory, NC include .

How does Hickory, NC compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Hickory, NC's median H-1B salary of $94,000 is 28% 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. Hickory, NC'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
Hickory
$94,000
National
$130,541
-28% below national median

Hickory, NC'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 Hickory, NC?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Hickory, NC is $235,000, 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
$65,229
25th
$79,685
Median
$94,000
75th
$126,402
90th
$235,000

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Hickory, NC earn $235,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $65,229 or less. This $169,771 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.