H-1B Visa Jobs in Oakland, CA
Oakland, CA has 5,026 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Oakland, CA is $127,000, which is 3% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Oakland, CA is CREDIT KARMA.
FY 2026 Q1: 114 certified LCAs in Oakland, 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 114 certified H-1B LCAs for Oakland, 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 145 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 21% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (146 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Oakland, CA is down 22%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 118 (low) to 170 (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 Oakland, CA.
Salary Analysis for Oakland, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $79,789
- 25th percentile: $100,984
- Median: $127,000
- 75th percentile: $163,000
- 90th percentile: $213,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 774 (17%)
- Level II (Qualified): 1,872 (41%)
- Level III (Experienced): 1,010 (22%)
- Level IV (Expert): 916 (20%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: CREDIT KARMA
- Market share: 7%
- Salary range: $36,400 - $953,748
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Oakland, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Oakland, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CREDIT KARMA | 343 | $240,332 |
| 2 | COGNIZANT | 229 | $125,486 |
| 3 | MARQETA | 186 | $169,562 |
| 4 | BLOCK | 177 | $199,923 |
| 5 | INFOSYS | 171 | $115,066 |
| 6 | DELTA DENTAL OF CALIFORNIA | 161 | $145,000 |
| 7 | SIRIUS XM RADIO | 142 | $155,000 |
| 8 | TATA | 123 | $105,560 |
| 9 | PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC | 79 | $163,138 |
| 10 | CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION | 56 | $95,280 |
| 11 | YU MING CHARTER SCHOOL | 53 | $53,000 |
| 12 | BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA | 50 | $135,013 |
| 13 | FIVETRAN | 41 | $185,000 |
| 14 | NAVIS | 37 | $119,122 |
| 15 | EDUCATION FOR CHANGE | 36 | $62,500 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Oakland, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 294 | $145,738 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 287 | $166,000 |
| Software Developer | 139 | $121,150 |
| Architect | 110 | $105,560 |
| Consultant | 91 | $115,066 |
| Project Manager | 64 | $126,000 |
| Data Scientist | 63 | $148,949 |
| Manager | 60 | $125,362 |
| Manager - Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 51 | $145,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Oakland, CA is $127,000, based on 5,026 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $133,211 range from the 10th percentile ($79,789) to the 90th percentile ($213,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Oakland, CA earn between $100,984 and $163,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 83% at Level II or above.
CREDIT KARMA is the largest H-1B sponsor in Oakland, CA, with 343 certified filings (7% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $240,332. The pay spread across top employers is 353%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Oakland, CA are Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer, Software Developer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Oakland, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in Oakland, CA?
The median H-1B salary in Oakland, CA is $127,000, based on 5,026 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Oakland, 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
- $79,789
- 25th percentile
- $100,984
- Median
- $127,000
- 75th percentile
- $163,000
- 90th percentile
- $213,000
H-1B salaries in Oakland, CA range from $79,789 at the 10th percentile to $213,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $133,211 spread. The 25th percentile is $100,984 and the 75th percentile is $163,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Oakland, CA?
Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA:
CREDIT KARMA is the largest H-1B sponsor in Oakland, CA with 343 filings at a median salary of $240,332. COGNIZANT follows with 229 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Oakland, CA?
Oakland, CA has 5,026 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA include .
How does Oakland, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Oakland, CA's median H-1B salary of $127,000 is 3% 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. Oakland, 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.
Oakland, CA's H-1B salaries are competitive with national averages.
What is the highest H-1B salary in Oakland, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Oakland, CA is $213,000, 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 Oakland, CA earn $213,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $79,789 or less. This $133,211 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.