H-1B Visa Jobs in Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica, CA has 4,352 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Santa Monica, CA is $130,000, which is 3% higher than the national H-1B median of $126,302. The largest H-1B sponsor in Santa Monica, CA is AMAZON.
FY 2026 Q1: 72 certified LCAs in Santa Monica, 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 72 certified H-1B LCAs for Santa Monica, 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 113 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 36% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (97 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Santa Monica, CA is down 26%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 89 (low) to 147 (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 Santa Monica, CA.
Salary Analysis for Santa Monica, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $78,125
- 25th percentile: $100,000
- Median: $130,000
- 75th percentile: $160,000
- 90th percentile: $189,418
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 595 (14%)
- Level II (Qualified): 1,365 (33%)
- Level III (Experienced): 1,196 (28%)
- Level IV (Expert): 1,043 (25%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: AMAZON
- Market share: 15%
- Salary range: $35,298 - $500,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMAZON | 655 | $140,800 |
| 2 | SNAP | 654 | $124,987 |
| 3 | HULU | 166 | $160,000 |
| 4 | KITE PHARMA | 145 | $118,914 |
| 5 | ACTIVISION PUBLISHING | 128 | $145,000 |
| 6 | CORNERSTONE ONDEMAND | 118 | $136,000 |
| 7 | ZIPRECRUITER | 75 | $140,000 |
| 8 | HULU, (INDIRECT SUBSIDIARY OF THE WALT DISNEY ) | 72 | $175,350 |
| 9 | GOODRX | 68 | $118,373 |
| 10 | ORACLE AMERICA | 62 | $140,088 |
| 11 | INVENTURE CAPITAL | 56 | $170,000 |
| 12 | PERFORM CONSULTING | 49 | $122,000 |
| 13 | RED BULL NORTH AMERICA | 38 | $120,000 |
| 14 | MOTIONAL AD | 37 | $132,787 |
| 15 | AMAZON ADVERTISING | 37 | $98,030 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Santa Monica, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 472 | $129,667 |
| Software Engineer II | 154 | $147,500 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 148 | $161,232 |
| Software Developer | 131 | $139,818 |
| Software Engineer I | 80 | $125,000 |
| Data Scientist | 74 | $112,112 |
| Product Manager | 58 | $134,160 |
| Research Scientist | 57 | $124,240 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | 56 | $140,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Santa Monica, CA is $130,000, based on 4,352 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% higher than the national H-1B median of $126,302.
Salaries span a $111,293 range from the 10th percentile ($78,125) to the 90th percentile ($189,418). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Santa Monica, CA earn between $100,000 and $160,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 86% at Level II or above.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor in Santa Monica, CA, with 655 certified filings (15% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $140,800. Among the top sponsors, HULU, (INDIRECT SUBSIDIARY OF THE WALT DISNEY ) pays the highest median at $175,350. The pay spread across top employers is 79%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Santa Monica, CA are Software Engineer, Software Engineer II, Senior Software Engineer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Santa Monica, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in Santa Monica, CA?
The median H-1B salary in Santa Monica, CA is $130,000, based on 4,352 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $126,302. H-1B salaries in Santa Monica, 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
- $78,125
- 25th percentile
- $100,000
- Median
- $130,000
- 75th percentile
- $160,000
- 90th percentile
- $189,418
H-1B salaries in Santa Monica, CA range from $78,125 at the 10th percentile to $189,418 at the 90th percentile, showing a $111,293 spread. The 25th percentile is $100,000 and the 75th percentile is $160,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica, 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 Monica, 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 Monica, CA:
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor in Santa Monica, CA with 655 filings at a median salary of $140,800. SNAP follows with 654 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica, CA has 4,352 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 Monica, 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 Monica, CA include .
How does Santa Monica, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Santa Monica, CA's median H-1B salary of $130,000 is 3% higher 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 Monica, 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 Monica, CA offers above-average H-1B compensation compared to the national median.
What is the highest H-1B salary in Santa Monica, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Santa Monica, CA is $189,418, 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 Monica, CA earn $189,418 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $78,125 or less. This $111,293 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.