H-1B Visa Jobs in Waukegan, IL
Waukegan, IL has 1,391 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Waukegan, IL is $95,472, which is 24% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302. The largest H-1B sponsor in Waukegan, IL is COGNIZANT.
FY 2026 Q1: 28 certified LCAs in Waukegan, 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 28 certified H-1B LCAs for Waukegan, 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 39 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 28% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (35 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Waukegan, IL is down 20%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 33 (low) to 50 (peak in FY 2020).
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 Waukegan, IL.
Salary Analysis for Waukegan, IL
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $73,944
- 25th percentile: $82,659
- Median: $95,472
- 75th percentile: $113,630
- 90th percentile: $140,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 75 (6%)
- Level II (Qualified): 670 (50%)
- Level III (Experienced): 431 (32%)
- Level IV (Expert): 167 (12%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: COGNIZANT
- Market share: 27%
- Salary range: $39,108 - $289,120
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Waukegan, IL
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Waukegan, IL
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COGNIZANT | 379 | $90,709 |
| 2 | IBM | 117 | $93,912 |
| 3 | TATA | 82 | $88,150 |
| 4 | ABBOTT LABORATORIES | 67 | $145,000 |
| 5 | ULINE | 64 | $127,754 |
| 6 | ABBVIE | 57 | $130,000 |
| 7 | HCL | 30 | $107,515 |
| 8 | WAUKEGAN COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 60 | 20 | $71,553 |
| 9 | DYNAMIC ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS | 19 | $120,000 |
| 10 | IBM INDIA PRIVATE | 19 | $93,954 |
| 11 | LS SOLUTIONS | 17 | $82,000 |
| 12 | YASKAWA AMERICA | 16 | $113,069 |
| 13 | SATIN SOLUTIONS | 14 | $85,000 |
| 14 | PFANSTIEHL | 11 | $89,500 |
| 15 | ONEUS TECHNOLOGIES | 11 | $69,451 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Waukegan, IL
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant | 93 | $93,600 |
| Senior Systems Analyst | 90 | $73,944 |
| Software Developer | 78 | $105,644 |
| Manager | 75 | $90,709 |
| Architect | 75 | $107,640 |
| Senior Associate -Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 51 | $82,846 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Waukegan, IL is $95,472, based on 1,391 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 24% lower than the national H-1B median of $126,302.
Salaries span a $66,056 range from the 10th percentile ($73,944) to the 90th percentile ($140,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Waukegan, IL earn between $82,659 and $113,630. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 94% at Level II or above.
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor in Waukegan, IL, with 379 certified filings (27% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $90,709. Among the top sponsors, ABBOTT LABORATORIES pays the highest median at $145,000. The pay spread across top employers is 109%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Waukegan, IL are Consultant, Senior Systems Analyst, Software Developer. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Waukegan, IL
What is the average H-1B salary in Waukegan, IL?
The median H-1B salary in Waukegan, IL is $95,472, based on 1,391 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 24% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $126,302. H-1B salaries in Waukegan, 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
- $73,944
- 25th percentile
- $82,659
- Median
- $95,472
- 75th percentile
- $113,630
- 90th percentile
- $140,000
H-1B salaries in Waukegan, IL range from $73,944 at the 10th percentile to $140,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $66,056 spread. The 25th percentile is $82,659 and the 75th percentile is $113,630.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan, IL 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL:
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor in Waukegan, IL with 379 filings at a median salary of $90,709. IBM follows with 117 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan, IL has 1,391 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL include .
How does Waukegan, IL compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Waukegan, IL's median H-1B salary of $95,472 is 24% 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. Waukegan, 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.
Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Waukegan, IL is $140,000, 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 Waukegan, IL earn $140,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $73,944 or less. This $66,056 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.