H-1B Visa Jobs in Wake Forest, NC
Wake Forest, NC has 214 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Wake Forest, NC is $113,547, which is 13% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707. The largest H-1B sponsor in Wake Forest, NC is COGNIZANT.
FY 2026 Q1: 16 certified LCAs in Wake Forest, NC
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 16 certified H-1B LCAs for Wake Forest, NC 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 5 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 220% above historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (13 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Wake Forest, NC is up 23%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 1 (low) to 13 (peak in FY 2025).
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 Wake Forest, NC.
Salary Analysis for Wake Forest, NC
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $79,165
- 25th percentile: $100,000
- Median: $113,547
- 75th percentile: $138,715
- 90th percentile: $154,877
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 29 (14%)
- Level II (Qualified): 90 (45%)
- Level III (Experienced): 47 (23%)
- Level IV (Expert): 36 (18%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: COGNIZANT
- Market share: 3%
- Salary range: $45,970 - $225,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Wake Forest, NC
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Wake Forest, NC
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COGNIZANT | 7 | $101,005 |
| 2 | OPTUM SERVICES | 7 | $127,629 |
| 3 | ENVISION SCIENCE ACADEMY | 5 | $66,594 |
| 4 | SIGMA GROUP | 5 | $110,240 |
| 5 | QWEST | 4 | $100,000 |
| 6 | RANDSTAD DIGITAL | 3 | $140,000 |
| 7 | ECLAT SOLUTIONS | 3 | $94,292 |
| 8 | UST GLOBAL | 3 | $117,500 |
| 9 | CASA ESPERANZA MONTESSORI CHARTER SCHOOL | 3 | $45,970 |
| 10 | PI LABS | 3 | $131,893 |
| 11 | SOFTWORLD | 2 | $92,000 |
| 12 | ARV SYSTEMS | 2 | $98,592 |
| 13 | RF2ANTENNA | 2 | $76,960 |
| 14 | EMBARQ MANAGEMENT | 2 | $64,002 |
| 15 | RANDSTAD TECHNOLOGIES | 2 | $126,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Wake Forest, NC is $113,547, based on 214 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 13% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,707.
Salaries span a $75,712 range from the 10th percentile ($79,165) to the 90th percentile ($154,877). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Wake Forest, NC earn between $100,000 and $138,715. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 86% at Level II or above.
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor in Wake Forest, NC, with 7 certified filings (3% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $101,005. Among the top sponsors, RANDSTAD DIGITAL pays the highest median at $140,000. The pay spread across top employers is 205%.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Wake Forest, NC
What is the average H-1B salary in Wake Forest, NC?
The median H-1B salary in Wake Forest, NC is $113,547, based on 214 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 13% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,707. H-1B salaries in Wake Forest, NC 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
- $79,165
- 25th percentile
- $100,000
- Median
- $113,547
- 75th percentile
- $138,715
- 90th percentile
- $154,877
H-1B salaries in Wake Forest, NC range from $79,165 at the 10th percentile to $154,877 at the 90th percentile, showing a $75,712 spread. The 25th percentile is $100,000 and the 75th percentile is $138,715.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Wake Forest, NC?
Wake Forest, NC 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 Wake Forest, NC 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 Wake Forest, NC:
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor in Wake Forest, NC with 7 filings at a median salary of $101,005. OPTUM SERVICES follows with 7 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Wake Forest, NC?
Wake Forest, NC has 214 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 Wake Forest, NC 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 Wake Forest, NC include .
How does Wake Forest, NC compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Wake Forest, NC's median H-1B salary of $113,547 is 13% 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. Wake Forest, NC'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.
Wake Forest, NC'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 Wake Forest, NC?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Wake Forest, NC is $154,877, 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 Wake Forest, NC earn $154,877 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $79,165 or less. This $75,712 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.