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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.