H-1B Visa Jobs in West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA has 1,440 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in West Des Moines, IA is $90,800, which is 30% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in West Des Moines, IA is COGNIZANT.
FY 2026 Q1: 41 certified LCAs in West Des Moines, IA
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 41 certified H-1B LCAs for West Des Moines, IA 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 47 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 13% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (36 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for West Des Moines, IA is up 14%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 35 (low) to 59 (peak in FY 2023).
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 West Des Moines, IA.
Salary Analysis for West Des Moines, IA
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $72,238
- 25th percentile: $81,162
- Median: $90,800
- 75th percentile: $110,000
- 90th percentile: $130,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 110 (8%)
- Level II (Qualified): 791 (56%)
- Level III (Experienced): 314 (22%)
- Level IV (Expert): 196 (14%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: COGNIZANT
- Market share: 13%
- Salary range: $42,557 - $700,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in West Des Moines, IA
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in West Des Moines, IA
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COGNIZANT | 188 | $85,717 |
| 2 | TATA | 119 | $74,589 |
| 3 | ATHENE ANNUITY AND LIFE | 97 | $111,000 |
| 4 | UST GLOBAL | 93 | $98,000 |
| 5 | QUALITY CONSULTING | 36 | $84,760 |
| 6 | EY | 35 | $156,540 |
| 7 | EPATHUSA | 25 | $81,000 |
| 8 | PIONEER CONSULTING SERVICES | 23 | $89,128 |
| 9 | FBL FINANCIAL GROUP | 18 | $117,000 |
| 10 | RANDSTAD TECHNOLOGIES | 13 | $116,700 |
| 11 | E-GIANTS TECHNOLOGIES | 13 | $85,467 |
| 12 | AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE INSURANCE | 13 | $102,000 |
| 13 | ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES GROUP | 12 | $90,000 |
| 14 | CAMELOT INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS | 11 | $84,760 |
| 15 | WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A | 11 | $121,181 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in West Des Moines, IA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 217 | $86,590 |
| Software Engineer | 112 | $95,000 |
| Senior Systems Analyst | 62 | $72,405 |
| Manager | 58 | $88,816 |
| Senior Software Developer | 51 | $111,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in West Des Moines, IA is $90,800, based on 1,440 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 30% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $57,762 range from the 10th percentile ($72,238) to the 90th percentile ($130,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in West Des Moines, IA earn between $81,162 and $110,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 92% at Level II or above.
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor in West Des Moines, IA, with 188 certified filings (13% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $85,717. Among the top sponsors, EY pays the highest median at $156,540. The pay spread across top employers is 110%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from West Des Moines, IA are Software Developer, Software Engineer, Senior Systems Analyst. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in West Des Moines, IA
What is the average H-1B salary in West Des Moines, IA?
The median H-1B salary in West Des Moines, IA is $90,800, based on 1,440 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 30% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in West Des Moines, IA 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
- $72,238
- 25th percentile
- $81,162
- Median
- $90,800
- 75th percentile
- $110,000
- 90th percentile
- $130,000
H-1B salaries in West Des Moines, IA range from $72,238 at the 10th percentile to $130,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $57,762 spread. The 25th percentile is $81,162 and the 75th percentile is $110,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines, IA 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 West Des Moines, IA 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 West Des Moines, IA:
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor in West Des Moines, IA with 188 filings at a median salary of $85,717. TATA follows with 119 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines, IA has 1,440 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 West Des Moines, IA 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 West Des Moines, IA include .
How does West Des Moines, IA compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
West Des Moines, IA's median H-1B salary of $90,800 is 30% 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. West Des Moines, IA'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.
West Des Moines, IA'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 West Des Moines, IA?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in West Des Moines, IA is $130,000, 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 West Des Moines, IA earn $130,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $72,238 or less. This $57,762 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.