H-1B Visa Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ has 2,775 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Tucson, AZ is $86,757, which is 31% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302. The largest H-1B sponsor in Tucson, AZ is THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA.
FY 2026 Q1: 52 certified LCAs in Tucson, AZ
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 52 certified H-1B LCAs for Tucson, AZ 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 60 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 13% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (60 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Tucson, AZ is down 13%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 47 (low) to 67 (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 Tucson, AZ.
Salary Analysis for Tucson, AZ
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $53,872
- 25th percentile: $68,640
- Median: $86,757
- 75th percentile: $115,066
- 90th percentile: $195,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 930 (35%)
- Level II (Qualified): 961 (36%)
- Level III (Experienced): 406 (15%)
- Level IV (Expert): 383 (14%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
- Market share: 22%
- Salary range: $28,371 - $876,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Tucson, AZ
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA | 609 | $71,510 |
| 2 | BANNER UNIVERSITY MEDICAL GROUP | 207 | $250,000 |
| 3 | TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED | 117 | $112,027 |
| 4 | TUSIMPLE | 88 | $83,013 |
| 5 | COGNIZANT | 87 | $86,341 |
| 6 | UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA | 83 | $81,356 |
| 7 | TUCSON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT | 79 | $46,800 |
| 8 | VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS | 45 | $107,376 |
| 9 | CATERPILLAR | 44 | $105,500 |
| 10 | MODULAR MINING SYSTEMS | 44 | $91,487 |
| 11 | VAIL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT | 29 | $49,224 |
| 12 | FREEPORT MINERALS | 27 | $103,800 |
| 13 | HCL | 27 | $86,008 |
| 14 | ETQ | 25 | $92,880 |
| 15 | SUNNYSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 12 | 23 | $56,100 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Tucson, AZ
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 192 | $112,403 |
| Teacher | 150 | $47,300 |
| Research Scientist III | 76 | $60,889 |
| Software Engineer | 64 | $96,325 |
| Research Associate I | 62 | $56,206 |
| Physician | 60 | $255,000 |
| Analog Design Engineer | 60 | $112,000 |
| Hospitalist | 58 | $269,500 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 56 | $83,013 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Tucson, AZ is $86,757, based on 2,775 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 31% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302.
Salaries span a $141,128 range from the 10th percentile ($53,872) to the 90th percentile ($195,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Tucson, AZ earn between $68,640 and $115,066. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 65% at Level II or above.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA is the largest H-1B sponsor in Tucson, AZ, with 609 certified filings (22% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $71,510. Among the top sponsors, BANNER UNIVERSITY MEDICAL GROUP pays the highest median at $250,000. The pay spread across top employers is 434%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Tucson, AZ are Assistant Professor, Teacher, Research Scientist III. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Tucson, AZ
What is the average H-1B salary in Tucson, AZ?
The median H-1B salary in Tucson, AZ is $86,757, based on 2,775 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 31% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $126,302. H-1B salaries in Tucson, AZ 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
- $53,872
- 25th percentile
- $68,640
- Median
- $86,757
- 75th percentile
- $115,066
- 90th percentile
- $195,000
H-1B salaries in Tucson, AZ range from $53,872 at the 10th percentile to $195,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $141,128 spread. The 25th percentile is $68,640 and the 75th percentile is $115,066.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Tucson, AZ?
Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ:
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA is the largest H-1B sponsor in Tucson, AZ with 609 filings at a median salary of $71,510. BANNER UNIVERSITY MEDICAL GROUP follows with 207 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Tucson, AZ?
Tucson, AZ has 2,775 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 Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ include .
How does Tucson, AZ compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Tucson, AZ's median H-1B salary of $86,757 is 31% lower 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. Tucson, AZ'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.
Tucson, AZ'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 Tucson, AZ?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ earn $195,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $53,872 or less. This $141,128 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.