H-1B Visa Jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA has 412 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $95,064, which is 27% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in San Luis Obispo, CA is CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO.
FY 2026 Q1: 9 certified LCAs in San Luis Obispo, 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 9 certified H-1B LCAs for San Luis Obispo, 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 10 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 10% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (8 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for San Luis Obispo, CA is up 13%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 6 (low) to 14 (peak in FY 2021).
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 Luis Obispo, CA.
Salary Analysis for San Luis Obispo, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $65,083
- 25th percentile: $79,992
- Median: $95,064
- 75th percentile: $119,100
- 90th percentile: $150,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 56 (27%)
- Level II (Qualified): 93 (44%)
- Level III (Experienced): 33 (16%)
- Level IV (Expert): 27 (13%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO
- Market share: 45%
- Salary range: $36,608 - $363,684
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO | 186 | $94,008 |
| 2 | AMAZON | 56 | $130,000 |
| 3 | TRANSUNION | 21 | $90,000 |
| 4 | ENTEGRIS | 11 | $103,000 |
| 5 | CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION | 10 | $89,136 |
| 6 | HAMLET KARAPETIAN DENTAL | 7 | $157,560 |
| 7 | TRANSUNION INTERACTIVE, . A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF TRANSUNION | 6 | $96,616 |
| 8 | MAKOSI AUDIT AND TAX SERVICES | 6 | $58,594 |
| 9 | CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION | 6 | $106,104 |
| 10 | SAKSOFT | 5 | $70,000 |
| 11 | PROMEGA | 5 | $94,640 |
| 12 | APPS ASSOCIATES | 4 | $113,688 |
| 13 | CANNON | 4 | $135,778 |
| 14 | CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY COMMISSION | 4 | $83,000 |
| 15 | MINDBODY | 3 | $280,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in San Luis Obispo, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 110 | $105,000 |
| Lecturer | 67 | $79,200 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $95,064, based on 412 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 $84,917 range from the 10th percentile ($65,083) to the 90th percentile ($150,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in San Luis Obispo, CA earn between $79,992 and $119,100. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 73% at Level II or above.
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO is the largest H-1B sponsor in San Luis Obispo, CA, with 186 certified filings (45% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $94,008. Among the top sponsors, MINDBODY pays the highest median at $280,000. The pay spread across top employers is 378%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from San Luis Obispo, CA are Assistant Professor, Lecturer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in San Luis Obispo, CA?
The median H-1B salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $95,064, based on 412 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 San Luis Obispo, 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
- $65,083
- 25th percentile
- $79,992
- Median
- $95,064
- 75th percentile
- $119,100
- 90th percentile
- $150,000
H-1B salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA range from $65,083 at the 10th percentile to $150,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $84,917 spread. The 25th percentile is $79,992 and the 75th percentile is $119,100.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA:
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO is the largest H-1B sponsor in San Luis Obispo, CA with 186 filings at a median salary of $94,008. AMAZON follows with 56 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo, CA has 412 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 Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA include .
How does San Luis Obispo, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
San Luis Obispo, CA's median H-1B salary of $95,064 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. San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $150,000, 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 Luis Obispo, CA earn $150,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $65,083 or less. This $84,917 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.