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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in San Mateo, CA

San Mateo, CA has 6,707 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in San Mateo, CA is $154,586, which is 18% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in San Mateo, CA is ROBLOX.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 159 certified LCAs in San Mateo, CA

Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.

Market remains active
260
FY 2020
155
FY 2021
228
FY 2022
208
FY 2023
124
FY 2024
199
FY 2025
159
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for San Mateo, CA: FY 2020: 260; FY 2021: 155; FY 2022: 228; FY 2023: 208; FY 2024: 124; FY 2025: 199; FY 2026: 159;

Employers filed 159 certified H-1B LCAs for San Mateo, 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 196 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 19% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (199 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for San Mateo, CA is down 20%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 124 (low) to 260 (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 San Mateo, CA.

6,707
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$154,586
Median Salary
+18% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for San Mateo, CA

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $97,676
  • 25th percentile: $124,800
  • Median: $154,586
  • 75th percentile: $190,000
  • 90th percentile: $239,200

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 758 (12%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 2,106 (33%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 1,656 (26%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 1,891 (29%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: ROBLOX
  • Market share: 12%
  • Salary range: $35,339 - $594,650

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in San Mateo, 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 Mateo, CA

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 ROBLOX 828 $241,500
2 SNOWFLAKE 449 $174,872
3 GUIDEWIRE SOFTWARE 299 $146,000
4 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT 226 $150,000
5 IQVIA 138 $110,000
6 FANATICS RETAIL GROUP FULFILLMENT 131 $145,246
7 VERKADA 121 $152,000
8 VERKADA 116 $160,000
9 EY 108 $150,000
10 EBATES PERFORMANCE MARKETING 101 $151,600
11 IXL LEARNING 89 $135,000
12 COUPA SOFTWARE 84 $160,000
13 SKYDIO 82 $185,000
14 APTTUS 73 $150,000
15 ZS ASSOCIATES 69 $161,000

H-1B Salary by Job Title in San Mateo, CA

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Software Engineer 895 $147,368
Senior Software Engineer 841 $187,700
Data Scientist 138 $154,669
Senior Product Manager 113 $177,558
Product Manager 100 $149,000
Principal Software Engineer 94 $290,979
Consultant 94 $123,000
Senior Data Scientist 88 $190,000
Staff Software Engineer 82 $183,310
Engineering Manager 81 $200,000
Architect 80 $154,164
Software Developer 80 $122,000
Data Engineer 73 $126,277
Accountant 62 $105,097
UX Designer 53 $140,000

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in San Mateo, CA is $154,586, based on 6,707 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 18% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $141,524 range from the 10th percentile ($97,676) to the 90th percentile ($239,200). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in San Mateo, CA earn between $124,800 and $190,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 88% at Level II or above.

ROBLOX is the largest H-1B sponsor in San Mateo, CA, with 828 certified filings (12% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $241,500. The pay spread across top employers is 120%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from San Mateo, CA are Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer, Data Scientist. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in San Mateo, CA

What is the average H-1B salary in San Mateo, CA?

The median H-1B salary in San Mateo, CA is $154,586, based on 6,707 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 18% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in San Mateo, 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
$97,676
25th percentile
$124,800
Median
$154,586
75th percentile
$190,000
90th percentile
$239,200

H-1B salaries in San Mateo, CA range from $97,676 at the 10th percentile to $239,200 at the 90th percentile, showing a $141,524 spread. The 25th percentile is $124,800 and the 75th percentile is $190,000.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in San Mateo, CA?

San Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, CA:

ROBLOX
$241,500
SNOWFLAKE
$174,872
IQVIA
$110,000

ROBLOX is the largest H-1B sponsor in San Mateo, CA with 828 filings at a median salary of $241,500. SNOWFLAKE follows with 449 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in San Mateo, CA?

San Mateo, CA has 6,707 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, CA include .

How does San Mateo, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

San Mateo, CA's median H-1B salary of $154,586 is 18% 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 Mateo, 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.

vs National H-1B Median
San Mateo
$154,586
National
$130,541
+18% above national median

San Mateo, CA is one of the higher-paying markets for H-1B workers, reflecting its high cost of living and demand for skilled talent.

What is the highest H-1B salary in San Mateo, CA?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in San Mateo, CA is $239,200, 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.

Salary Percentiles
10th
$97,676
25th
$124,800
Median
$154,586
75th
$190,000
90th
$239,200

The top 10% of H-1B workers in San Mateo, CA earn $239,200 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $97,676 or less. This $141,524 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.