H-1B Visa Jobs in Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria, CA has 69 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Santa Maria, CA is $116,480, which is 8% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302. The largest H-1B sponsor in Santa Maria, CA is DIGNITY HEALTH.
FY 2026 Q1: 0 certified LCAs in Santa Maria, CA
Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.
Santa Maria, CA has no certified H-1B LCAs recorded in FY 2026 Q1 (Oct–Dec 2025), the first quarter after the $100K fee took effect. The 6-year Q1 average before the rule was 3 certified filings per quarter for this market.
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 Santa Maria, CA.
Salary Analysis for Santa Maria, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $70,000
- 25th percentile: $82,285
- Median: $116,480
- 75th percentile: $200,000
- 90th percentile: $278,262
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 16 (25%)
- Level II (Qualified): 17 (27%)
- Level III (Experienced): 9 (14%)
- Level IV (Expert): 22 (34%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: DIGNITY HEALTH
- Market share: 16%
- Salary range: $42,952 - $320,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Santa Maria, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Santa Maria, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DIGNITY HEALTH | 11 | $84,573 |
| 2 | COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST | 11 | $283,462 |
| 3 | BONITA PACKING | 4 | $152,132 |
| 4 | JS AUDIT GROUP | 4 | $72,000 |
| 5 | HAMLET KARAPETIAN DMD | 4 | $156,000 |
| 6 | ATLAS COPCO MAFI-TRENCH | 3 | $101,858 |
| 7 | CVS RX SERVICES | 3 | $147,680 |
| 8 | SAFRAN CABIN | 3 | $180,018 |
| 9 | WESTERN DENTAL SERVICES | 2 | $221,000 |
| 10 | PREAT | 2 | $82,750 |
| 11 | SENKOX TECHNOLOGIES | 2 | $85,966 |
| 12 | KOUSHAN AZAD DMD | 2 | $234,000 |
| 13 | PREAT | 1 | $81,000 |
| 14 | CURATION FOODS | 1 | $176,000 |
| 15 | ELINK ELITE | 1 | $42,952 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Santa Maria, CA is $116,480, based on 69 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 8% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302.
Salaries span a $208,262 range from the 10th percentile ($70,000) to the 90th percentile ($278,262). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Santa Maria, CA earn between $82,285 and $200,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level IV (expert), with 75% at Level II or above.
DIGNITY HEALTH is the largest H-1B sponsor in Santa Maria, CA, with 11 certified filings (16% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $84,573. Among the top sponsors, COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST pays the highest median at $283,462. The pay spread across top employers is 560%.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Santa Maria, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in Santa Maria, CA?
The median H-1B salary in Santa Maria, CA is $116,480, based on 69 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 8% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $126,302. H-1B salaries in Santa Maria, 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
- $70,000
- 25th percentile
- $82,285
- Median
- $116,480
- 75th percentile
- $200,000
- 90th percentile
- $278,262
H-1B salaries in Santa Maria, CA range from $70,000 at the 10th percentile to $278,262 at the 90th percentile, showing a $208,262 spread. The 25th percentile is $82,285 and the 75th percentile is $200,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, CA:
DIGNITY HEALTH is the largest H-1B sponsor in Santa Maria, CA with 11 filings at a median salary of $84,573. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST follows with 11 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria, CA has 69 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 Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, CA include .
How does Santa Maria, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Santa Maria, CA's median H-1B salary of $116,480 is 8% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302. 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. Santa Maria, 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.
Santa Maria, CA's H-1B salaries are competitive with national averages.
What is the highest H-1B salary in Santa Maria, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Santa Maria, CA is $278,262, 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 Santa Maria, CA earn $278,262 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $70,000 or less. This $208,262 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.