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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Madison, WI

Madison, WI has 5,789 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Madison, WI is $90,000, which is 31% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Madison, WI is UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 125 certified LCAs in Madison, WI

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

Market softened — below baseline
203
FY 2020
241
FY 2021
215
FY 2022
156
FY 2023
113
FY 2024
147
FY 2025
125
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Madison, WI: FY 2020: 203; FY 2021: 241; FY 2022: 215; FY 2023: 156; FY 2024: 113; FY 2025: 147; FY 2026: 125;

Employers filed 125 certified H-1B LCAs for Madison, WI 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 179 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 30% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (147 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Madison, WI is down 15%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 113 (low) to 241 (peak in FY 2021).

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 Madison, WI.

5,789
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$90,000
Median Salary
-31% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Madison, WI

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $60,772
  • 25th percentile: $75,000
  • Median: $90,000
  • 75th percentile: $112,424
  • 90th percentile: $135,585

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 1,378 (25%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 2,469 (44%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 1,149 (20%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 626 (11%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
  • Market share: 20%
  • Salary range: $32,369 - $496,531

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Madison, WI

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Madison, WI

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM 1,178 $68,649
2 AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE , S.I 553 $125,000
3 ATOS SYNTEL 250 $93,954
4 COGNIZANT 176 $77,813
5 CAPGEMINI 144 $85,213
6 AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE 108 $117,612
7 CATALENT PHARMA SOLUTIONS 94 $68,000
8 INFOSYS 90 $72,946
9 SYMPHONY 84 $101,920
10 GOOGLE 84 $126,000
11 HTC GLOBAL SERVICES 73 $91,790
12 CONVERGENT SCIENCE 69 $101,000
13 TECHNOVIZ 66 $81,245
14 UNIV OF WI SYSTEM 63 $65,268
15 VENNSYS 59 $83,408

H-1B Salary by Job Title in Madison, WI

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Madison, WI is $90,000, based on 5,789 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 31% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $74,813 range from the 10th percentile ($60,772) to the 90th percentile ($135,585). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Madison, WI earn between $75,000 and $112,424. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 75% at Level II or above.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM is the largest H-1B sponsor in Madison, WI, with 1,178 certified filings (20% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $68,649. Among the top sponsors, GOOGLE pays the highest median at $126,000. The pay spread across top employers is 93%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from Madison, WI are Software Developer, Software Engineer, Assistant Professor. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Madison, WI

What is the average H-1B salary in Madison, WI?

The median H-1B salary in Madison, WI is $90,000, based on 5,789 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 31% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Madison, WI 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
$60,772
25th percentile
$75,000
Median
$90,000
75th percentile
$112,424
90th percentile
$135,585

H-1B salaries in Madison, WI range from $60,772 at the 10th percentile to $135,585 at the 90th percentile, showing a $74,813 spread. The 25th percentile is $75,000 and the 75th percentile is $112,424.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Madison, WI?

Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI:

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM is the largest H-1B sponsor in Madison, WI with 1,178 filings at a median salary of $68,649. AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE , S.I follows with 553 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Madison, WI?

Madison, WI has 5,789 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 Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI include .

How does Madison, WI compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Madison, WI's median H-1B salary of $90,000 is 31% 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. Madison, WI'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
Madison
$90,000
National
$130,541
-31% below national median

Madison, WI'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 Madison, WI?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Madison, WI is $135,585, 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
$60,772
25th
$75,000
Median
$90,000
75th
$112,424
90th
$135,585

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Madison, WI earn $135,585 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $60,772 or less. This $74,813 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.