H-1B Visa Jobs in Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, IA has 1,702 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Iowa City, IA is $77,771, which is 40% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Iowa City, IA is THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA.
FY 2026 Q1: 38 certified LCAs in Iowa City, IA
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 38 certified H-1B LCAs for Iowa City, IA 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 40 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 5% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (39 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Iowa City, IA is down 3%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 20 (low) to 49 (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 Iowa City, IA.
Salary Analysis for Iowa City, IA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $54,840
- 25th percentile: $64,100
- Median: $77,771
- 75th percentile: $135,000
- 90th percentile: $279,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 691 (41%)
- Level II (Qualified): 619 (37%)
- Level III (Experienced): 305 (18%)
- Level IV (Expert): 70 (4%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Market share: 82%
- Salary range: $38,438 - $731,245
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Iowa City, IA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA | 1,395 | $75,999 |
| 2 | HCL | 65 | $79,061 |
| 3 | L&T TECHNOLOGY SERVICES | 30 | $77,000 |
| 4 | NCS PEARSON | 25 | $81,019 |
| 5 | IOWA CITY VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM | 24 | $245,814 |
| 6 | ACT | 19 | $92,430 |
| 7 | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA | 14 | $355,776 |
| 8 | NCS PEARSON, ., AN INDIRECT WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF PEARSON | 6 | $84,864 |
| 9 | NESS USA | 5 | $83,000 |
| 10 | HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 4 | $67,500 |
| 11 | BEACON HILL STAFFING GROUP | 4 | $81,120 |
| 12 | LOGICAL PARADIGM | 3 | $64,189 |
| 13 | SVS TECHNOLOGIES | 3 | $73,486 |
| 14 | INFOWEB SYSTEMS | 2 | $91,700 |
| 15 | RANDSTAD TECHNOLOGIES | 2 | $95,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Iowa City, IA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 451 | $190,000 |
| Research Associate | 178 | $57,400 |
| Principal Physician | 167 | $73,400 |
| Research Scientist | 112 | $67,000 |
| Staff Physician | 99 | $66,000 |
| Associate Professor | 69 | $220,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Iowa City, IA is $77,771, based on 1,702 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 40% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $224,160 range from the 10th percentile ($54,840) to the 90th percentile ($279,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Iowa City, IA earn between $64,100 and $135,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level I (entry), with 59% at Level II or above.
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA is the largest H-1B sponsor in Iowa City, IA, with 1,395 certified filings (82% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $75,999. Among the top sponsors, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA pays the highest median at $355,776. The pay spread across top employers is 454%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Iowa City, IA are Assistant Professor, Research Associate, Principal Physician. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Iowa City, IA
What is the average H-1B salary in Iowa City, IA?
The median H-1B salary in Iowa City, IA is $77,771, based on 1,702 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 40% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Iowa City, IA 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
- $54,840
- 25th percentile
- $64,100
- Median
- $77,771
- 75th percentile
- $135,000
- 90th percentile
- $279,000
H-1B salaries in Iowa City, IA range from $54,840 at the 10th percentile to $279,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $224,160 spread. The 25th percentile is $64,100 and the 75th percentile is $135,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Iowa City, IA?
Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA:
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA is the largest H-1B sponsor in Iowa City, IA with 1,395 filings at a median salary of $75,999. HCL follows with 65 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Iowa City, IA?
Iowa City, IA has 1,702 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 Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA include .
How does Iowa City, IA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Iowa City, IA's median H-1B salary of $77,771 is 40% 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. Iowa City, IA'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.
Iowa City, IA'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 Iowa City, IA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Iowa City, IA is $279,000, 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 Iowa City, IA earn $279,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $54,840 or less. This $224,160 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.