Skip to main content
H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Pasadena, CA has 3,445 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Pasadena, CA is $98,000, which is 25% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Pasadena, CA is CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 48 certified LCAs in Pasadena, CA

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
127
FY 2020
88
FY 2021
89
FY 2022
105
FY 2023
67
FY 2024
77
FY 2025
48
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Pasadena, CA: FY 2020: 127; FY 2021: 88; FY 2022: 89; FY 2023: 105; FY 2024: 67; FY 2025: 77; FY 2026: 48;

Employers filed 48 certified H-1B LCAs for Pasadena, 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 92 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 48% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (77 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Pasadena, CA is down 38%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 67 (low) to 127 (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 Pasadena, CA.

3,445
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$98,000
Median Salary
-25% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Pasadena, CA

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $64,459
  • 25th percentile: $75,088
  • Median: $98,000
  • 75th percentile: $126,000
  • 90th percentile: $152,000

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 817 (26%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 1,282 (40%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 665 (21%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 426 (13%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Market share: 12%
  • Salary range: $35,496 - $720,000

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Pasadena, CA

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Pasadena, CA

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 424 $73,000
2 TATA 246 $77,896
3 CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY/JET PROPULSION LABORATORY 231 $123,000
4 ADP 222 $121,160
5 ACCENTURE 98 $95,500
6 AMAZON 86 $147,000
7 EAST WEST BANK 79 $92,000
8 GREEN DOT 76 $135,886
9 COGNIZANT 63 $87,173
10 WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT 45 $120,000
11 PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 43 $71,868
12 EY 33 $125,430
13 LTIMINDTREE 31 $92,210
14 ELECTRIC POWER GROUP 23 $100,000
15 SPOKEO 22 $150,000

H-1B Salary by Job Title in Pasadena, CA

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Architect 190 $77,896
Research Associate 149 $66,000
Software Developer 107 $102,232
Software Engineer 104 $111,780
Research Scientist 102 $100,000
Associate Research Associate 83 $70,264
Research Scientist II 63 $132,080
Lead Software Developer 62 $126,942
Senior Software Developer 58 $118,373

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Pasadena, CA is $98,000, based on 3,445 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 25% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $87,541 range from the 10th percentile ($64,459) to the 90th percentile ($152,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Pasadena, CA earn between $75,088 and $126,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 74% at Level II or above.

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Pasadena, CA, with 424 certified filings (12% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $73,000. Among the top sponsors, SPOKEO pays the highest median at $150,000. The pay spread across top employers is 109%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from Pasadena, CA are Architect, Research Associate, Software Developer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Pasadena, CA

What is the average H-1B salary in Pasadena, CA?

The median H-1B salary in Pasadena, CA is $98,000, based on 3,445 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 25% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Pasadena, 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
$64,459
25th percentile
$75,088
Median
$98,000
75th percentile
$126,000
90th percentile
$152,000

H-1B salaries in Pasadena, CA range from $64,459 at the 10th percentile to $152,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $87,541 spread. The 25th percentile is $75,088 and the 75th percentile is $126,000.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Pasadena, CA?

Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, CA:

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Pasadena, CA with 424 filings at a median salary of $73,000. TATA follows with 246 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Pasadena, CA?

Pasadena, CA has 3,445 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, CA include .

How does Pasadena, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Pasadena, CA's median H-1B salary of $98,000 is 25% 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. Pasadena, 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.

vs National H-1B Median
Pasadena
$98,000
National
$130,541
-25% below national median

Pasadena, CA'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 Pasadena, CA?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Pasadena, CA is $152,000, 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.

Salary Percentiles
10th
$64,459
25th
$75,088
Median
$98,000
75th
$126,000
90th
$152,000

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Pasadena, CA earn $152,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $64,459 or less. This $87,541 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.