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

H-1B Visa Jobs in Richmond, VA

Richmond, VA has 10,156 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Richmond, VA is $95,909, which is 27% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Richmond, VA is CAPITAL ONE SERVICES.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 186 certified LCAs in Richmond, VA

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
594
FY 2020
269
FY 2021
382
FY 2022
263
FY 2023
237
FY 2024
283
FY 2025
186
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Richmond, VA: FY 2020: 594; FY 2021: 269; FY 2022: 382; FY 2023: 263; FY 2024: 237; FY 2025: 283; FY 2026: 186;

Employers filed 186 certified H-1B LCAs for Richmond, VA 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 338 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 45% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (283 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Richmond, VA is down 34%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 237 (low) to 594 (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 Richmond, VA.

10,156
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$95,909
Median Salary
-27% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Richmond, VA

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $73,965
  • 25th percentile: $84,400
  • Median: $95,909
  • 75th percentile: $110,053
  • 90th percentile: $137,356

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 1,179 (12%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 5,823 (59%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 1,735 (18%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 1,125 (11%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: CAPITAL ONE SERVICES
  • Market share: 10%
  • Salary range: $28,970 - $625,192

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Richmond, VA

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES 1,041 $90,334
2 COGNIZANT 580 $92,810
3 ELEVANCE HEALTH 516 $114,319
4 VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY 443 $58,920
5 UST GLOBAL 333 $93,498
6 VCU HEALTH SYSTEM AUTHORITY 197 $174,500
7 ACCENTURE 190 $100,818
8 CAPGEMINI 183 $102,773
9 COMPUNNEL 172 $102,250
10 IBM 167 $90,750
11 TATA 152 $76,419
12 EY 117 $127,148
13 DELOITTE 107 $107,890
14 CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 98 $100,818
15 HCL 79 $96,558

H-1B Salary by Job Title in Richmond, VA

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Software Developer 1,176 $94,037
Software Engineer 652 $90,480
Senior Software Engineer 407 $113,402
Data Engineer 276 $90,500
Data Analyst 224 $82,930
Lead Software Engineer 210 $95,909
Assistant Professor 207 $58,920
Senior Systems Analyst 204 $82,930
Senior Data Analyst 199 $75,171
Systems Analyst 198 $84,323
Java Developer 198 $92,100
Architect 196 $103,563
Manager 188 $99,466
Consultant 135 $95,909
DevOps Engineer 122 $90,300

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Richmond, VA is $95,909, based on 10,156 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 27% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $63,391 range from the 10th percentile ($73,965) to the 90th percentile ($137,356). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Richmond, VA earn between $84,400 and $110,053. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 88% at Level II or above.

CAPITAL ONE SERVICES is the largest H-1B sponsor in Richmond, VA, with 1,041 certified filings (10% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $90,334. Among the top sponsors, VCU HEALTH SYSTEM AUTHORITY pays the highest median at $174,500. The pay spread across top employers is 196%.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Richmond, VA

What is the average H-1B salary in Richmond, VA?

The median H-1B salary in Richmond, VA is $95,909, based on 10,156 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 27% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Richmond, VA 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
$73,965
25th percentile
$84,400
Median
$95,909
75th percentile
$110,053
90th percentile
$137,356

H-1B salaries in Richmond, VA range from $73,965 at the 10th percentile to $137,356 at the 90th percentile, showing a $63,391 spread. The 25th percentile is $84,400 and the 75th percentile is $110,053.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Richmond, VA?

Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA:

CAPITAL ONE SERVICES is the largest H-1B sponsor in Richmond, VA with 1,041 filings at a median salary of $90,334. COGNIZANT follows with 580 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Richmond, VA?

Richmond, VA has 10,156 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 Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA include .

How does Richmond, VA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Richmond, VA's median H-1B salary of $95,909 is 27% 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. Richmond, VA'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
Richmond
$95,909
National
$130,541
-27% below national median

Richmond, VA'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 Richmond, VA?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Richmond, VA is $137,356, 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
$73,965
25th
$84,400
Median
$95,909
75th
$110,053
90th
$137,356

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Richmond, VA earn $137,356 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $73,965 or less. This $63,391 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.