H-1B Visa Jobs in Lake Forest, IL
Lake Forest, IL has 1,133 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Lake Forest, IL is $115,000, which is 12% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Lake Forest, IL is GRAINGER MANAGEMENT.
FY 2026 Q1: 16 certified LCAs in Lake Forest, IL
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 16 certified H-1B LCAs for Lake Forest, IL 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 38 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 58% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (35 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Lake Forest, IL is down 54%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 25 (low) to 67 (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 Lake Forest, IL.
Salary Analysis for Lake Forest, IL
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $75,650
- 25th percentile: $89,118
- Median: $115,000
- 75th percentile: $137,172
- 90th percentile: $160,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 86 (8%)
- Level II (Qualified): 595 (53%)
- Level III (Experienced): 241 (21%)
- Level IV (Expert): 204 (18%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: GRAINGER MANAGEMENT
- Market share: 26%
- Salary range: $30,850 - $500,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Lake Forest, IL
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Lake Forest, IL
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GRAINGER MANAGEMENT | 298 | $127,159 |
| 2 | W.W. GRAINGER | 93 | $140,000 |
| 3 | GRAINGER CORPORATE SERVICES | 80 | $142,722 |
| 4 | TATA | 61 | $75,754 |
| 5 | ABBOTT LABORATORIES | 54 | $112,000 |
| 6 | HEXAWARE TECHNOLOGIES | 49 | $82,202 |
| 7 | COGNIZANT | 41 | $92,061 |
| 8 | W W GRAINGER | 29 | $128,775 |
| 9 | PACTIV | 23 | $97,000 |
| 10 | LAKE FOREST COLLEGE | 20 | $57,110 |
| 11 | ITC INFOTECH (USA) | 18 | $81,931 |
| 12 | PFIZER | 15 | $106,300 |
| 13 | GRAINGER MANAGEMENT | 14 | $115,000 |
| 14 | ICU MEDICAL | 12 | $135,000 |
| 15 | ALERE | 12 | $120,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Lake Forest, IL
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 182 | $130,000 |
| Architect | 58 | $77,438 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Lake Forest, IL is $115,000, based on 1,133 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $84,350 range from the 10th percentile ($75,650) to the 90th percentile ($160,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Lake Forest, IL earn between $89,118 and $137,172. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 92% at Level II or above.
GRAINGER MANAGEMENT is the largest H-1B sponsor in Lake Forest, IL, with 298 certified filings (26% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $127,159. Among the top sponsors, GRAINGER CORPORATE SERVICES pays the highest median at $142,722. The pay spread across top employers is 150%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Lake Forest, IL are Software Engineer, Architect. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Lake Forest, IL
What is the average H-1B salary in Lake Forest, IL?
The median H-1B salary in Lake Forest, IL is $115,000, based on 1,133 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Lake Forest, IL 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
- $75,650
- 25th percentile
- $89,118
- Median
- $115,000
- 75th percentile
- $137,172
- 90th percentile
- $160,000
H-1B salaries in Lake Forest, IL range from $75,650 at the 10th percentile to $160,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $84,350 spread. The 25th percentile is $89,118 and the 75th percentile is $137,172.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Lake Forest, IL?
Lake Forest, IL 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 Lake Forest, IL 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 Lake Forest, IL:
GRAINGER MANAGEMENT is the largest H-1B sponsor in Lake Forest, IL with 298 filings at a median salary of $127,159. W.W. GRAINGER follows with 93 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Lake Forest, IL?
Lake Forest, IL has 1,133 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 Lake Forest, IL 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 Lake Forest, IL include .
How does Lake Forest, IL compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Lake Forest, IL's median H-1B salary of $115,000 is 12% 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. Lake Forest, IL'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.
Lake Forest, IL'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 Lake Forest, IL?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Lake Forest, IL is $160,000, 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 Lake Forest, IL earn $160,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $75,650 or less. This $84,350 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.