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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Sterling, VA

Sterling, VA has 3,208 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Sterling, VA is $101,358, which is 22% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707. The largest H-1B sponsor in Sterling, VA is ASURION.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 48 certified LCAs in Sterling, VA

Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.

Market softened — below baseline
84
FY 2020
62
FY 2021
83
FY 2022
53
FY 2023
155
FY 2024
75
FY 2025
48
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Sterling, VA: FY 2020: 84; FY 2021: 62; FY 2022: 83; FY 2023: 53; FY 2024: 155; FY 2025: 75; FY 2026: 48;

Employers filed 48 certified H-1B LCAs for Sterling, VA 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 85 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 44% below historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (75 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Sterling, VA is down 36%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 53 (low) to 155 (peak in FY 2024).

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, VA.

3,208
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$101,358
Median Salary
-22% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Sterling, VA

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $78,354
  • 25th percentile: $90,000
  • Median: $101,358
  • 75th percentile: $120,950
  • 90th percentile: $147,900

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 729 (24%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 1,776 (59%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 264 (9%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 243 (8%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: ASURION
  • Market share: 10%
  • Salary range: $42,500 - $862,920

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Sterling, VA

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Sterling, VA

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 ASURION 322 $141,294
2 NEXUS IT 118 $101,338
3 REI SYSTEMS 112 $108,000
4 MEJENTA SYSTEMS 103 $88,442
5 SYNECHRON 94 $102,300
6 SAPOT SYSTEMS 69 $99,000
7 NIVID INFOTECH 62 $104,000
8 SYNECHRON 51 $99,000
9 CGI TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS 49 $113,853
10 ANTRA 49 $87,000
11 NIVID INFOTECH 48 $98,550
12 NEST TECHNOLOGIES 42 $98,550
13 DRIVESTREAM 40 $133,400
14 INCEPT DATA SOLUTIONS 38 $97,760
15 DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS 37 $131,009

H-1B Salary by Job Title in Sterling, VA

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Software Developer 611 $99,000
Software Engineer 368 $101,462
Software Engineer III 78 $138,308
Senior Software Engineer 73 $124,696
Data Engineer 64 $98,550
Software Engineer II 50 $117,458

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Sterling, VA is $101,358, based on 3,208 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 22% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707.

Salaries span a $69,546 range from the 10th percentile ($78,354) to the 90th percentile ($147,900). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Sterling, VA earn between $90,000 and $120,950. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 76% at Level II or above.

ASURION is the largest H-1B sponsor in Sterling, VA, with 322 certified filings (10% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $141,294. The pay spread across top employers is 62%.

The most common H-1B roles filed from Sterling, VA are Software Developer, Software Engineer, Software Engineer III. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Sterling, VA

What is the average H-1B salary in Sterling, VA?

The median H-1B salary in Sterling, VA is $101,358, based on 3,208 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 22% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,707. H-1B salaries in Sterling, VA 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
$78,354
25th percentile
$90,000
Median
$101,358
75th percentile
$120,950
90th percentile
$147,900

H-1B salaries in Sterling, VA range from $78,354 at the 10th percentile to $147,900 at the 90th percentile, showing a $69,546 spread. The 25th percentile is $90,000 and the 75th percentile is $120,950.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Sterling, VA?

Sterling, VA 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 Sterling, VA 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, VA:

ASURION
$141,294
NEXUS IT
$101,338
REI SYSTEMS
$108,000
MEJENTA SYSTEMS
$88,442
SYNECHRON
$102,300

ASURION is the largest H-1B sponsor in Sterling, VA with 322 filings at a median salary of $141,294. NEXUS IT follows with 118 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Sterling, VA?

Sterling, VA has 3,208 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 Sterling, VA 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, VA include .

How does Sterling, VA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Sterling, VA's median H-1B salary of $101,358 is 22% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707. 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, VA'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.

vs National H-1B Median
Sterling
$101,358
National
$130,707
-22% below national median

Sterling, VA'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, VA?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Sterling, VA is $147,900, 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.

Salary Percentiles
10th
$78,354
25th
$90,000
Median
$101,358
75th
$120,950
90th
$147,900

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Sterling, VA earn $147,900 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $78,354 or less. This $69,546 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.