H-1B Visa Jobs in Riverside, CA
Riverside, CA has 996 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Riverside, CA is $86,700, which is 34% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Riverside, CA is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT RIVERSIDE.
FY 2026 Q1: 30 certified LCAs in Riverside, 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 30 certified H-1B LCAs for Riverside, 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 25 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 20% above historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (30 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Riverside, CA is up 0%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 19 (low) to 31 (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 Riverside, CA.
Salary Analysis for Riverside, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $59,780
- 25th percentile: $67,683
- Median: $86,700
- 75th percentile: $111,400
- 90th percentile: $135,200
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 206 (30%)
- Level II (Qualified): 278 (41%)
- Level III (Experienced): 103 (15%)
- Level IV (Expert): 97 (14%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT RIVERSIDE
- Market share: 27%
- Salary range: $29,994 - $437,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Riverside, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Riverside, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT RIVERSIDE | 268 | $76,500 |
| 2 | REGENT OF UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA OF RIVERSIDE | 78 | $68,120 |
| 3 | REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE | 31 | $94,900 |
| 4 | REGENTS OF UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA OF RIVERSIDE | 25 | $65,000 |
| 5 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE | 25 | $74,676 |
| 6 | ELDORADO NATIONAL (CALIFORNIA) | 21 | $90,230 |
| 7 | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS | 20 | $60,600 |
| 8 | BOURNS | 19 | $121,160 |
| 9 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES | 19 | $134,556 |
| 10 | AMAZON | 15 | $81,141 |
| 11 | CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD | 15 | $106,692 |
| 12 | CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY | 14 | $75,397 |
| 13 | LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY | 13 | $84,160 |
| 14 | WESTFALL TECHNIK | 11 | $110,000 |
| 15 | REGENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE | 9 | $63,100 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Riverside, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 131 | $103,900 |
| Research Associate | 125 | $64,008 |
| Research Scientist | 92 | $68,400 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Riverside, CA is $86,700, based on 996 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 34% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $75,420 range from the 10th percentile ($59,780) to the 90th percentile ($135,200). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Riverside, CA earn between $67,683 and $111,400. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 70% at Level II or above.
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT RIVERSIDE is the largest H-1B sponsor in Riverside, CA, with 268 certified filings (27% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $76,500. Among the top sponsors, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES pays the highest median at $134,556. The pay spread across top employers is 122%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Riverside, CA are Assistant Professor, Research Associate, Research Scientist. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Riverside, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in Riverside, CA?
The median H-1B salary in Riverside, CA is $86,700, based on 996 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 34% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Riverside, 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
- $59,780
- 25th percentile
- $67,683
- Median
- $86,700
- 75th percentile
- $111,400
- 90th percentile
- $135,200
H-1B salaries in Riverside, CA range from $59,780 at the 10th percentile to $135,200 at the 90th percentile, showing a $75,420 spread. The 25th percentile is $67,683 and the 75th percentile is $111,400.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Riverside, CA?
Riverside, 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA:
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT RIVERSIDE is the largest H-1B sponsor in Riverside, CA with 268 filings at a median salary of $76,500. REGENT OF UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA OF RIVERSIDE follows with 78 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Riverside, CA?
Riverside, CA has 996 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA include .
How does Riverside, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Riverside, CA's median H-1B salary of $86,700 is 34% 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. Riverside, 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.
Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Riverside, CA is $135,200, 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 Riverside, CA earn $135,200 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $59,780 or less. This $75,420 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.