H-1B Visa Jobs in Sterling, IL
Sterling, IL has 62 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Sterling, IL is $82,399, which is 37% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Sterling, IL is WAHL CLIPPER.
FY 2026 Q1: 4 certified LCAs in Sterling, IL
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 4 certified H-1B LCAs for Sterling, IL 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 2 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 100% above historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (2 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Sterling, IL is up 100%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 2 (low) to 3 (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 Sterling, IL.
Salary Analysis for Sterling, IL
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $61,152
- 25th percentile: $68,432
- Median: $82,399
- 75th percentile: $114,400
- 90th percentile: $195,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 26 (44%)
- Level II (Qualified): 19 (32%)
- Level III (Experienced): 8 (14%)
- Level IV (Expert): 6 (10%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: WAHL CLIPPER
- Market share: 48%
- Salary range: $51,500 - $696,800
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Sterling, IL
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Sterling, IL
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WAHL CLIPPER | 30 | $83,491 |
| 2 | GRANDISON MANAGEMENT | 12 | $70,262 |
| 3 | CGH MEDICAL CENTER | 11 | $89,398 |
| 4 | AUSTRIACO DENTAL ASSOCIATES | 2 | $195,000 |
| 5 | HALO BRANDED SOLUTIONS | 1 | $51,500 |
| 6 | MEA STERLING | 1 | $478,400 |
| 7 | VEP IL OPTOMETRIC | 1 | $130,000 |
| 8 | TECHIGAI | 1 | $105,500 |
| 9 | WALMART | 1 | $92,800 |
| 10 | SINNISSIPPI CENTERS | 1 | $59,116 |
| 11 | STERLING SYSTEMS & CONTROLS | 1 | $115,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Sterling, IL is $82,399, based on 62 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 37% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $133,848 range from the 10th percentile ($61,152) to the 90th percentile ($195,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Sterling, IL earn between $68,432 and $114,400. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level I (entry), with 56% at Level II or above.
WAHL CLIPPER is the largest H-1B sponsor in Sterling, IL, with 30 certified filings (48% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $83,491. Among the top sponsors, MEA STERLING pays the highest median at $478,400. The pay spread across top employers is 829%.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Sterling, IL
What is the average H-1B salary in Sterling, IL?
The median H-1B salary in Sterling, IL is $82,399, based on 62 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 37% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Sterling, IL 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
- $61,152
- 25th percentile
- $68,432
- Median
- $82,399
- 75th percentile
- $114,400
- 90th percentile
- $195,000
H-1B salaries in Sterling, IL range from $61,152 at the 10th percentile to $195,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $133,848 spread. The 25th percentile is $68,432 and the 75th percentile is $114,400.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Sterling, IL?
Sterling, IL has 11+ employers actively sponsoring H-1B visas, ranging from large technology companies to consulting firms, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. H-1B sponsorship patterns in Sterling, IL 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 Sterling, IL:
WAHL CLIPPER is the largest H-1B sponsor in Sterling, IL with 30 filings at a median salary of $83,491. GRANDISON MANAGEMENT follows with 12 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Sterling, IL?
Sterling, IL has 62 certified H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026 across 11+ 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 Sterling, IL 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 Sterling, IL include .
How does Sterling, IL compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Sterling, IL's median H-1B salary of $82,399 is 37% 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. Sterling, IL'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.
Sterling, IL'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 Sterling, IL?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Sterling, IL is $195,000, 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 Sterling, IL earn $195,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $61,152 or less. This $133,848 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.