H-1B Visa Jobs in Stanford, CA
Stanford, CA has 2,238 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Stanford, CA is $80,000, which is 39% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Stanford, CA is THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY.
FY 2026 Q1: 61 certified LCAs in Stanford, 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 61 certified H-1B LCAs for Stanford, 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 82 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 26% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (112 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Stanford, CA is down 46%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 43 (low) to 116 (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 Stanford, CA.
Salary Analysis for Stanford, CA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $65,000
- 25th percentile: $71,650
- Median: $80,000
- 75th percentile: $100,000
- 90th percentile: $135,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 1,250 (58%)
- Level II (Qualified): 685 (32%)
- Level III (Experienced): 169 (8%)
- Level IV (Expert): 59 (3%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY
- Market share: 88%
- Salary range: $39,333 - $540,712
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Stanford, CA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Stanford, CA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY | 1,962 | $80,000 |
| 2 | STANFORD HEALTH CARE | 75 | $86,810 |
| 3 | HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 46 | $72,000 |
| 4 | THE LELAND STANFORD JR. UNIVERSITY | 35 | $56,659 |
| 5 | THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON | 15 | $61,339 |
| 6 | STANFORD UNIVERSITY/SLAC NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY | 6 | $100,395 |
| 7 | THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD, JR. UNIVERSITY | 4 | $67,000 |
| 8 | CZ BIOHUB SF | 4 | $100,000 |
| 9 | COLLOV | 3 | $65,000 |
| 10 | CLOUD BIG DATA TECHNOLOGIES | 3 | $104,291 |
| 11 | CLOUD HYBRID TECHNOLOGIES | 3 | $149,365 |
| 12 | NATIONAL BUREAU OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH | 2 | $50,400 |
| 13 | 2 | $155,000 | |
| 14 | ARTH TECH GLOBAL | 2 | $120,000 |
| 15 | CROSSBOUNDARY | 2 | $135,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Stanford, CA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate | 638 | $71,650 |
| Research Scientist | 591 | $80,000 |
| Instructor | 119 | $90,000 |
| Assistant Professor | 105 | $163,000 |
| Life Science Research Professional 2 | 75 | $79,206 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Stanford, CA is $80,000, based on 2,238 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 39% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $70,000 range from the 10th percentile ($65,000) to the 90th percentile ($135,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Stanford, CA earn between $71,650 and $100,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level I (entry), with 42% at Level II or above.
THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Stanford, CA, with 1,962 certified filings (88% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $80,000. Among the top sponsors, GOOGLE pays the highest median at $155,000. The pay spread across top employers is 208%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Stanford, CA are Research Associate, Research Scientist, Instructor. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Stanford, CA
What is the average H-1B salary in Stanford, CA?
The median H-1B salary in Stanford, CA is $80,000, based on 2,238 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 39% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Stanford, 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
- $65,000
- 25th percentile
- $71,650
- Median
- $80,000
- 75th percentile
- $100,000
- 90th percentile
- $135,000
H-1B salaries in Stanford, CA range from $65,000 at the 10th percentile to $135,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $70,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $71,650 and the 75th percentile is $100,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Stanford, CA?
Stanford, 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 Stanford, 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 Stanford, CA:
THE LELAND STANFORD, JR UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor in Stanford, CA with 1,962 filings at a median salary of $80,000. STANFORD HEALTH CARE follows with 75 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Stanford, CA?
Stanford, CA has 2,238 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 Stanford, 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 Stanford, CA include .
How does Stanford, CA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Stanford, CA's median H-1B salary of $80,000 is 39% 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. Stanford, 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.
Stanford, 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 Stanford, CA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Stanford, CA is $135,000, 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 Stanford, CA earn $135,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $65,000 or less. This $70,000 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.