H-1B Visa Jobs in San Carlos, CA
San Carlos, CA has 1,038 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in San Carlos, CA is $135,000, which is 3% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in San Carlos, CA is NATERA.
FY 2026 Q1: 17 certified LCAs in San Carlos, 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 17 certified H-1B LCAs for San Carlos, 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 30 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 43% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (25 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for San Carlos, CA is down 32%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 20 (low) to 52 (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 San Carlos, CA.
Salary Analysis for San Carlos, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $84,975
- 25th percentile: $107,640
- Median: $135,000
- 75th percentile: $160,000
- 90th percentile: $190,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 185 (18%)
- Level II (Qualified): 324 (32%)
- Level III (Experienced): 239 (24%)
- Level IV (Expert): 266 (26%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: NATERA
- Market share: 13%
- Salary range: $47,133 - $320,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in San Carlos, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in San Carlos, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NATERA | 131 | $133,429 |
| 2 | OPORTUN | 74 | $160,000 |
| 3 | JOBY AERO | 62 | $147,000 |
| 4 | NOAH MEDICAL | 45 | $150,000 |
| 5 | MARKLOGIC | 32 | $129,000 |
| 6 | VAXCYTE | 31 | $152,000 |
| 7 | VIBRANT AMERICA | 30 | $95,000 |
| 8 | FARMER'S BUSINESS NETWORK | 23 | $150,000 |
| 9 | MANAGEMENT HEALTH SYSTEMS | 22 | $56,576 |
| 10 | ZAP SURGICAL SYSTEMS | 21 | $135,000 |
| 11 | CELLINK | 19 | $135,000 |
| 12 | ELECTRIC HYDROGEN | 18 | $147,000 |
| 13 | NOETIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS | 15 | $121,500 |
| 14 | VIBRANT SCIENCES | 12 | $135,200 |
| 15 | NAUTILUS BIOTECHNOLOGY | 11 | $111,500 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in San Carlos, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 57 | $121,500 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 50 | $165,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in San Carlos, CA is $135,000, based on 1,038 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $105,025 range from the 10th percentile ($84,975) to the 90th percentile ($190,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in San Carlos, CA earn between $107,640 and $160,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 82% at Level II or above.
NATERA is the largest H-1B sponsor in San Carlos, CA, with 131 certified filings (13% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $133,429. Among the top sponsors, OPORTUN pays the highest median at $160,000. The pay spread across top employers is 183%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from San Carlos, CA are 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 San Carlos, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in San Carlos, CA?
The median H-1B salary in San Carlos, CA is $135,000, based on 1,038 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in San Carlos, 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
- $84,975
- 25th percentile
- $107,640
- Median
- $135,000
- 75th percentile
- $160,000
- 90th percentile
- $190,000
H-1B salaries in San Carlos, CA range from $84,975 at the 10th percentile to $190,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $105,025 spread. The 25th percentile is $107,640 and the 75th percentile is $160,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in San Carlos, CA?
San Carlos, 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 San Carlos, 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 San Carlos, CA:
NATERA is the largest H-1B sponsor in San Carlos, CA with 131 filings at a median salary of $133,429. OPORTUN follows with 74 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in San Carlos, CA?
San Carlos, CA has 1,038 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 San Carlos, 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 San Carlos, CA include .
How does San Carlos, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
San Carlos, CA's median H-1B salary of $135,000 is 3% higher 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. San Carlos, 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.
San Carlos, CA offers above-average H-1B compensation compared to the national median.
What is the highest H-1B salary in San Carlos, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in San Carlos, CA is $190,000, 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 San Carlos, CA earn $190,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $84,975 or less. This $105,025 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.