H-1B Visa Jobs in South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco, CA has 4,550 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in South San Francisco, CA is $132,870, which is 2% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in South San Francisco, CA is GENENTECH.
FY 2026 Q1: 109 certified LCAs in South San Francisco, 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 109 certified H-1B LCAs for South San Francisco, 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 116 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 6% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (100 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for South San Francisco, CA is up 9%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 81 (low) to 179 (peak in FY 2022).
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 South San Francisco, CA.
Salary Analysis for South San Francisco, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $92,643
- 25th percentile: $110,000
- Median: $132,870
- 75th percentile: $160,000
- 90th percentile: $189,280
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 460 (11%)
- Level II (Qualified): 1,740 (40%)
- Level III (Experienced): 1,233 (29%)
- Level IV (Expert): 879 (20%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: GENENTECH
- Market share: 15%
- Salary range: $40,840 - $423,036
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in South San Francisco, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in South San Francisco, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GENENTECH | 661 | $130,000 |
| 2 | STRIPE | 331 | $168,834 |
| 3 | ZS ASSOCIATES | 245 | $165,300 |
| 4 | VERILY LIFE SCIENCES | 176 | $151,000 |
| 5 | ABBVIE BIOTHERAPEUTICS | 134 | $130,000 |
| 6 | GENENTECH USA | 131 | $151,736 |
| 7 | TECH MAHINDRA | 118 | $119,122 |
| 8 | AMGEN | 109 | $132,000 |
| 9 | ZIPLINE INTERNATIONAL | 107 | $155,605 |
| 10 | THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC | 79 | $121,763 |
| 11 | TWIST BIOSCIENCE | 68 | $145,000 |
| 12 | AMGEN INCORPORATED | 66 | $126,466 |
| 13 | CALICO LIFE SCIENCES | 58 | $131,000 |
| 14 | INSITRO | 56 | $120,000 |
| 15 | SAAMA TECHNOLOGIES | 49 | $140,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in South San Francisco, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist | 380 | $125,278 |
| Software Engineer | 268 | $155,000 |
| Senior Research Scientist | 213 | $138,000 |
| Consultant | 144 | $158,080 |
| Senior Research Associate | 84 | $104,000 |
| Architect | 81 | $121,764 |
| Data Scientist | 81 | $144,824 |
| Research Scientist II | 70 | $120,000 |
| Associate Consultant | 61 | $135,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 57 | $167,710 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in South San Francisco, CA is $132,870, based on 4,550 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 2% higher than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $96,637 range from the 10th percentile ($92,643) to the 90th percentile ($189,280). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in South San Francisco, CA earn between $110,000 and $160,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 89% at Level II or above.
GENENTECH is the largest H-1B sponsor in South San Francisco, CA, with 661 certified filings (15% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $130,000. Among the top sponsors, STRIPE pays the highest median at $168,834. The pay spread across top employers is 42%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from South San Francisco, CA are Research Scientist, Software Engineer, Senior Research Scientist. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in South San Francisco, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in South San Francisco, CA?
The median H-1B salary in South San Francisco, CA is $132,870, based on 4,550 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 2% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in South San Francisco, 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
- $92,643
- 25th percentile
- $110,000
- Median
- $132,870
- 75th percentile
- $160,000
- 90th percentile
- $189,280
H-1B salaries in South San Francisco, CA range from $92,643 at the 10th percentile to $189,280 at the 90th percentile, showing a $96,637 spread. The 25th percentile is $110,000 and the 75th percentile is $160,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, CA:
GENENTECH is the largest H-1B sponsor in South San Francisco, CA with 661 filings at a median salary of $130,000. STRIPE follows with 331 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco, CA has 4,550 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 South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, CA include .
How does South San Francisco, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
South San Francisco, CA's median H-1B salary of $132,870 is 2% 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. South San Francisco, 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.
South San Francisco, CA offers above-average H-1B compensation compared to the national median.
What is the highest H-1B salary in South San Francisco, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in South San Francisco, CA is $189,280, 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 South San Francisco, CA earn $189,280 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $92,643 or less. This $96,637 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.