H-1B Visa Jobs in Los Altos, CA
Los Altos, CA has 410 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Los Altos, CA is $146,000, which is 12% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Los Altos, CA is CEREBRAS SYSTEMS.
FY 2026 Q1: 6 certified LCAs in Los Altos, 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 6 certified H-1B LCAs for Los Altos, 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 10 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 40% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (6 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Los Altos, CA is up 0%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 5 (low) to 18 (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 Los Altos, CA.
Salary Analysis for Los Altos, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $87,500
- 25th percentile: $108,826
- Median: $146,000
- 75th percentile: $185,000
- 90th percentile: $220,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 70 (18%)
- Level II (Qualified): 117 (30%)
- Level III (Experienced): 116 (29%)
- Level IV (Expert): 93 (23%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: CEREBRAS SYSTEMS
- Market share: 7%
- Salary range: $45,000 - $350,450
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Los Altos, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Los Altos, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CEREBRAS SYSTEMS | 27 | $169,603 |
| 2 | TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE (TRI) | 27 | $200,000 |
| 3 | WOVEN PLANET NORTH AMERICA | 15 | $179,126 |
| 4 | PURE STORAGE | 13 | $210,000 |
| 5 | TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 8 | $200,000 |
| 6 | SUTTER BAY MEDICAL FOUNDATION | 8 | $118,747 |
| 7 | PREDICTSPRING | 8 | $135,000 |
| 8 | VARMOUR NETWORKS | 8 | $135,000 |
| 9 | INTERDIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS | 8 | $150,488 |
| 10 | TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, . (TRI) | 8 | $215,000 |
| 11 | LCG CONSULTING | 6 | $108,000 |
| 12 | AISENSE | 5 | $170,000 |
| 13 | COMSOL | 5 | $114,338 |
| 14 | MAXVAL GROUP | 5 | $82,500 |
| 15 | ALTO NEUROSCIENCE | 5 | $145,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Los Altos, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 50 | $152,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Los Altos, CA is $146,000, based on 410 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $132,500 range from the 10th percentile ($87,500) to the 90th percentile ($220,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Los Altos, CA earn between $108,826 and $185,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 82% at Level II or above.
CEREBRAS SYSTEMS is the largest H-1B sponsor in Los Altos, CA, with 27 certified filings (7% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $169,603. Among the top sponsors, TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, . (TRI) pays the highest median at $215,000. The pay spread across top employers is 161%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Los Altos, CA are Software Engineer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Los Altos, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in Los Altos, CA?
The median H-1B salary in Los Altos, CA is $146,000, based on 410 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Los Altos, 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
- $87,500
- 25th percentile
- $108,826
- Median
- $146,000
- 75th percentile
- $185,000
- 90th percentile
- $220,000
H-1B salaries in Los Altos, CA range from $87,500 at the 10th percentile to $220,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $132,500 spread. The 25th percentile is $108,826 and the 75th percentile is $185,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Los Altos, CA?
Los Altos, 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 Los Altos, 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 Los Altos, CA:
CEREBRAS SYSTEMS is the largest H-1B sponsor in Los Altos, CA with 27 filings at a median salary of $169,603. TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE (TRI) follows with 27 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Los Altos, CA?
Los Altos, CA has 410 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 Los Altos, 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 Los Altos, CA include .
How does Los Altos, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Los Altos, CA's median H-1B salary of $146,000 is 12% 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. Los Altos, 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.
Los Altos, CA offers above-average H-1B compensation compared to the national median.
What is the highest H-1B salary in Los Altos, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Los Altos, CA is $220,000, 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 Los Altos, CA earn $220,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $87,500 or less. This $132,500 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.