H-1B Visa Jobs in San Franscisco, CA
San Franscisco, CA has 34 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in San Franscisco, CA is $145,000, which is 11% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in San Franscisco, CA is MICROSOFT.
FY 2026 Q1: 2 certified LCAs in San Franscisco, 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 2 certified H-1B LCAs for San Franscisco, 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 1 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 100% above historical norms.
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 Franscisco, CA.
Salary Analysis for San Franscisco, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $110,000
- 25th percentile: $120,931
- Median: $145,000
- 75th percentile: $182,700
- 90th percentile: $216,470
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 2 (6%)
- Level II (Qualified): 19 (58%)
- Level III (Experienced): 9 (27%)
- Level IV (Expert): 3 (9%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: MICROSOFT
- Market share: 9%
- Salary range: $95,763 - $250,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in San Franscisco, 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 Franscisco, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MICROSOFT | 3 | $182,700 |
| 2 | UPWORK | 2 | $216,470 |
| 3 | AMAZON | 2 | $150,000 |
| 4 | ATLASSIAN | 1 | $144,500 |
| 5 | TURNER & TOWNSEND | 1 | $110,000 |
| 6 | ZILLOW | 1 | $163,800 |
| 7 | CARDINAL HEALTH | 1 | $137,259 |
| 8 | PROLIFICS | 1 | $120,370 |
| 9 | WEST MONROE PARTNERS | 1 | $150,000 |
| 10 | SPARK SERVICES | 1 | $98,699 |
| 11 | ALVAREZ & MARSAL TAXAND | 1 | $102,000 |
| 12 | VASS | 1 | $120,931 |
| 13 | POPULUS GROUP | 1 | $120,640 |
| 14 | NORDSTROM | 1 | $126,000 |
| 15 | AIRWALLEX US | 1 | $200,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in San Franscisco, CA is $145,000, based on 34 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 11% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $106,470 range from the 10th percentile ($110,000) to the 90th percentile ($216,470). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in San Franscisco, CA earn between $120,931 and $182,700. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 94% at Level II or above.
MICROSOFT is the largest H-1B sponsor in San Franscisco, CA, with 3 certified filings (9% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $182,700. Among the top sponsors, UPWORK pays the highest median at $216,470. The pay spread across top employers is 119%.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in San Franscisco, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in San Franscisco, CA?
The median H-1B salary in San Franscisco, CA is $145,000, based on 34 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 11% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in San Franscisco, 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
- $110,000
- 25th percentile
- $120,931
- Median
- $145,000
- 75th percentile
- $182,700
- 90th percentile
- $216,470
H-1B salaries in San Franscisco, CA range from $110,000 at the 10th percentile to $216,470 at the 90th percentile, showing a $106,470 spread. The 25th percentile is $120,931 and the 75th percentile is $182,700.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in San Franscisco, CA?
San Franscisco, 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 Franscisco, 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 Franscisco, CA:
MICROSOFT is the largest H-1B sponsor in San Franscisco, CA with 3 filings at a median salary of $182,700. UPWORK follows with 2 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in San Franscisco, CA?
San Franscisco, CA has 34 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 Franscisco, 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 Franscisco, CA include .
How does San Franscisco, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
San Franscisco, CA's median H-1B salary of $145,000 is 11% 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 Franscisco, 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 Franscisco, CA offers above-average H-1B compensation compared to the national median.
What is the highest H-1B salary in San Franscisco, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in San Franscisco, CA is $216,470, 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 Franscisco, CA earn $216,470 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $110,000 or less. This $106,470 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.
Explore Major H-1B Cities
These top H-1B job markets have comprehensive salary and employer data:
View all cities →