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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q3

3M H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data

Yes, 3M sponsors H-1B visas. In FY 2026, 3M filed 16 H-1B labor condition applications (16 certified) with a median salary of $128,058. Across FY 2020–2026, 3M has filed 207 total H-1B applications with 203 certified and a lifetime median salary of $123,072, which is 3% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 1 certified LCA

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

Still sponsoring — sharply reduced
2
1
11
1
3
2
1
FY 2020
FY 2021
FY 2022
FY 2023
FY 2024
FY 2025
FY 2026

FY 2020–2025 Q1 range 6-year Q1 average

Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for 3M: FY 2020: 2; FY 2021: 1; FY 2022: 11; FY 2023: 1; FY 2024: 3; FY 2025: 2; FY 2026: 1;

3M certified 1 H-1B LCA 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 3 certified filings per Q1, so this quarter came in 67% below the historical norm.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (2 certified), FY 2026 Q1 is down 50%. The 6-year Q1 range runs from 1 (low) to 11 (peak in FY 2022).

These counts reflect DOL LCA certifications with decision_date in Oct–Dec — a proxy for post-fee sponsorship activity. LCAs do not distinguish cap-subject new hires (fee-exposed) from extensions, transfers, and change-of-status petitions (fee-exempt), so a drop does not cleanly translate to fewer H-1B workers at 3M.

203
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$123,072
Median Salary
+3% vs national
0%
Denial Rate
0 denied of 207
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis

Salary Range

  • 10th percentile: $92,998
  • 25th percentile: $112,650
  • Median: $123,072
  • 75th percentile: $135,895
  • 90th percentile: $155,343

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 2 (1%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 47 (23%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 79 (39%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 75 (37%)

Trend (2020-2026)

  • Starting median: $111,296
  • Current median: $128,058
  • Growth: +15%

Salary & Hiring Visualizations

Salary Distribution

Distribution of H-1B salaries at 3M

3M's H-1B salaries range from $92,998 to $155,343 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $123,072. This is 3% above the national H-1B median.

Wage Level Distribution

DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority

3M files 99% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery, giving 3M candidates a competitive advantage.

Median Salary Trend

Year-over-year salary changes

3M's median H-1B salary increased by +15% from FY 2020 ($111,296) to FY 2026 ($128,058).

H-1B Filings by Year

Annual hiring activity through H-1B program

3M's H-1B filings changed by -48% from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This may reflect changes in hiring strategy or workforce composition.

Salary by Job Title

Top roles by filing volume: shape of all filings, middle 50% box, median tick

Software Engineer
14 · $108K
Research Specialist
13 · $131K
Data Scientist
19 · $133K

The highest-volume H-1B role at 3M is Senior Research Scientist with 42 filings at $116,006 median salary.

Salary by Location

Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)

San Antonio, TX
31 · $111K
Maplewood, MN
72 · $120K
Pittsburgh, PA
10 · $125K
St. Paul, MN
51 · $128K

3M's largest H-1B hub is Maplewood, MN with 72 filings. The highest-paying location is St. Paul, MN at $128,242 median.

Highest Paying H-1B Roles at 3M

Ranked by median salary — Unlike "Salary by Job Title" above which shows the most common roles by filing volume, this section ranks all H-1B positions by their median compensation to highlight the best-paying opportunities.

These are the 6 highest-paying of 3M's most common H-1B job titles, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Product Development Specialist at $141,641 median, which is 15% above the company's overall H-1B median of $123,072.

High-paying H-1B roles typically require advanced technical expertise, specialized domain knowledge, or significant leadership responsibility. Factors influencing top-tier compensation include years of experience, educational credentials (PhD, Master's degrees), rare skill combinations, and market demand for specific technologies. The chart under each role shows how pay is spread across its filings—a wide box means pay varies a lot for that title, while a narrow box suggests standardized pay bands. Senior and principal-level positions consistently command premium salaries due to their strategic impact and scarcity of qualified candidates.

Middle 50% of salaries Middle 80% Median Shape of all filings (wider = more common salary) Sample of filings Company median

1

Product Development Specialist

7 H-1B filings at 3M

$141,641
+15% vs company median

Too few filings to chart the pay spread.

2

Data Scientist

19 H-1B filings at 3M

$132,601
+8% vs company median
3

Research Specialist

13 H-1B filings at 3M

$130,809
+6% vs company median
4

Business Analyst

9 H-1B filings at 3M

$130,548
+6% vs company median

Too few filings to chart the pay spread.

5

Senior Research Scientist

42 H-1B filings at 3M

$116,006
-6% vs company median
6

Software Engineer

14 H-1B filings at 3M

$107,581
-13% vs company median

Salary data based on 203 certified H-1B labor condition applications at 3M. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.

Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at 3M

Actual filed salaries — These are the 10 highest individual H-1B salary filings at 3M, representing specific positions (not aggregated medians). These may include executive, highly specialized, or senior leadership roles.

The highest H-1B salary filed at 3M was $881,850 for a Executive Vice President And Chief Financial Officer position in St. Paul, MN (FY2024). This is 617% higher than the company's median H-1B salary.

Top H-1B salaries often cluster in high cost-of-living metros like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle where prevailing wages are higher. However, executive and specialized roles can command premium compensation regardless of location. These filings represent the upper bound of H-1B compensation at 3M—actual total compensation may be significantly higher when including stock grants, bonuses, and benefits. Geographic patterns in top salaries often reflect where companies locate their most senior technical talent and leadership positions.

Rank Job Title Location Salary Level Year
1 Executive Vice President And Chief Financial Officer St. Paul, MN $881,850 IV FY 2024
2 President, Industrial Specialties Division St. Paul, MN $500,749 IV FY 2025
3 Vice President Of Data And Analytics St. Paul, MN $313,677 IV FY 2024
4 Director Continuous Improvement And Global Standards Dekalb, IL $293,374 IV FY 2024
5 Director Continuous Improvement And Global Standards Dekalb, IL $281,639 IV FY 2025
6 Cloud Engineer Maplewood, MN $226,070 III FY 2026
7 Architect Prosper, TX $183,327 IV FY 2026
8 Manager, Network Optimization & Digitization Dekalb, IL $177,760 IV FY 2025
9 Data Scientist Maplewood, MN $176,207 IV FY 2025
10 Senior Research Scientist Pittsburgh, PA $168,165 III FY 2022

These represent the highest individual salary amounts filed in H-1B labor condition applications. Note: H-1B salary data reflects base compensation only and does not include stock options, RSUs, bonuses, or other benefits which can significantly increase total compensation at tech companies.

Detailed Breakdown

H-1B Job Titles at 3M

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Senior Research Scientist 42 $116,006
Data Scientist 19 $132,601
Software Engineer 14 $107,581
Research Specialist 13 $130,809
Business Analyst 9 $130,548
Product Development Specialist 7 $141,641

H-1B Locations for 3M

Location Filings Median Salary
Maplewood, MN 72 $120,075
St. Paul, MN 51 $128,242
San Antonio, TX 31 $111,296
Pittsburgh, PA 10 $125,104
Woodbury, MN 5 $125,104
Monroe, NC 4 $107,422
Pittsburg, PA 3 $81,546
Dekalb, IL 3 $281,639
Alpharetta, GA 2 $132,601
Chicago, IL 2 $86,793

Recent H-1B Filings at 3M

Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of 3M's 203 total certified filings.

Job Title Location Salary Level Year
Architect Prosper, TX $183,327 IV FY 2026
Software Engineer St. Paul, MN $141,816 III FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist St. Paul, MN $128,058 III FY 2026
Advanced Specialist Researcher Maplewood, MN $164,993 IV FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist St. Paul, MN $128,923 III FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist Maplewood, MN $125,692 II FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist Maplewood, MN $131,353 III FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist Maplewood, MN $120,075 III FY 2026
Senior Product Developer Maplewood, MN $116,919 III FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist Maplewood, MN $116,919 III FY 2026
Senior Product Development Engineer Maplewood, MN $116,919 II FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist Maplewood, MN $116,919 III FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist St. Paul, MN $116,918 II FY 2026
Senior Research Scientist Maplewood, MN $129,570 III FY 2026
Senior Product Developer Maplewood, MN $127,230 II FY 2026
Cloud Engineer Maplewood, MN $226,070 III FY 2026
Director Continuous Improvement And Global Standards Dekalb, IL $281,639 IV FY 2025
Architect Maplewood, MN $154,530 IV FY 2025
Business Analyst St. Paul, MN $140,939 IV FY 2025
Software Engineer San Jose, CA $107,581 I FY 2025

Data source: U.S. Department of Labor LCA Disclosure Files. Showing most recent certified filings.

Frequently Asked Questions about 3M H-1B Visas

What is the average H-1B salary at 3M?

The median H-1B salary at 3M is $123,072, based on 203 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at 3M reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $112,650 and senior positions reaching $155,343 or higher. These figures represent base salaries in LCA filings and may not include bonuses, equity grants, or other compensation common at large employers.

10th %ile Median 90th %ile
$92,998 $123,072 $155,343

Salaries at 3M range from $92,998 at the 10th percentile to $155,343 at the 90th percentile, showing a $62,345 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $112,650 and the 75th percentile is $135,895.

Does 3M sponsor H-1B visas in 2026?

Yes, 3M actively sponsors H-1B visas in FY 2026. In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), 3M filed 16 H-1B labor condition applications with 16 certified and 0 denied, at a median salary of $128,058. Across FY 2020–2026, they have filed 207 total H-1B applications with 203 certified and a 0% lifetime denial rate, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. 3M sponsors positions across multiple job categories and locations, making them a viable option for professionals seeking H-1B visa sponsorship.

H-1B Filing History
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), 3M filed 16 H-1B applications, with 16 certified and 0 denied. Over 7 years of data, 3M has consistently demonstrated commitment to H-1B sponsorship.

Note: These are Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the Department of Labor, which is a prerequisite for H-1B petitions. The actual number of H-1B petitions filed with USCIS may differ.

What is 3M's H-1B approval rate?

3M's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0%, with 0 out of 207 applications denied across all years. This translates to a 100.0% certification rate, which indicates how successfully the company prepares and files H-1B applications. A lower denial rate suggests better compliance with Department of Labor requirements, proper wage documentation, and accurate job classification. Prospective H-1B applicants should consider this approval rate alongside other factors like salary, job role, and location when evaluating 3M as a potential H-1B sponsor.

Approval vs Denial Rate
100.0% Certified
203 certified 0 denied

This is an excellent approval rate, indicating 3M has strong H-1B sponsorship practices and typically meets DOL requirements. Applicants can feel confident in the company's H-1B track record.

What jobs does 3M sponsor for H-1B?

3M sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 203 certified filings, the most commonly sponsored job titles reflect the company's primary business functions and talent needs. These positions typically require specialized knowledge in fields like technology, engineering, finance, or scientific research. Understanding which roles 3M most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.

Most common H-1B job titles at 3M:

The most frequently sponsored role is Senior Research Scientist with 42 filings at a median salary of $116,006. This is followed by Data Scientist (19 filings) and Software Engineer.

Where are 3M's H-1B jobs located?

3M's H-1B positions are distributed across multiple U.S. locations, with concentration in major metropolitan areas and tech hubs. Geographic distribution often reflects company office locations, client sites, and regional market demands. Location significantly impacts H-1B salary due to varying cost of living and local wage requirements. Understanding where 3M sponsors H-1B workers can help candidates target specific offices and negotiate appropriate compensation for each market.

Top 3M H-1B locations:

Circle size indicates relative H-1B filing volume

The largest H-1B hub for 3M is Maplewood, MN with 72 filings at a median salary of $120,075. The highest-paying location is Dekalb, IL at $281,639 median. Salaries range from $81,546 to $281,639 across office locations.

How have 3M's H-1B salaries changed over time?

3M's median H-1B salary has increased by +15% from FY 2020 ($111,296) to FY 2026 ($128,058). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how 3M adjusts compensation to remain competitive in the H-1B labor market. Salary growth typically reflects inflation adjustments, increased demand for specialized skills, and evolving prevailing wage requirements. These historical trends can help applicants understand future salary expectations and negotiate appropriately when considering H-1B opportunities at 3M.

Median Salary Trend
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Year-by-year breakdown:

  • FY 2022: $116,006 (52 certified)
  • FY 2023: $133,896 (26 certified)
  • FY 2024: $135,379 (24 certified)
  • FY 2025: $144,014 (18 certified)
  • FY 2026: $128,058 (16 certified)

3M has maintained steady salary growth for H-1B positions over this period.

What wage level does 3M use for H-1B?

3M primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level III, accounting for 39% of their filings. DOL wage levels range from Level I (entry-level, 17th percentile of local wages) to Level IV (expert, 67th percentile). Wage level determines both salary requirements and, under recent H-1B rules, lottery selection priority. Higher wage levels receive preference in the H-1B lottery, making 3M's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.

Wage Level Distribution
II
III
IV
I: 1% II: 23% III: 39% IV: 37%

With 99% of positions at Level II or higher, 3M typically offers competitive wages above entry-level. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery.

How does 3M's H-1B salary compare to other employers?

3M's median H-1B salary of $123,072 is 3% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000 across all employers and industries. This comparison provides context for evaluating 3M's competitiveness in attracting H-1B talent. Keep in mind that industry, location, and job function significantly impact salary levels. Tech companies and financial institutions typically offer higher H-1B salaries than other sectors, while salaries in major metros like San Francisco and New York exceed those in smaller markets. Compare 3M's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.

vs National H-1B Median
3M
$123,072
National
$120,000
+3% above national median

3M offers above-average H-1B compensation. Combined with their 203 certified filings and 0% denial rate, they demonstrate solid H-1B sponsorship practices.

How do new H-1B fees and rules affect 3M's sponsorship?
Estimated H-1B Sponsorship Costs (FY 2025)
I-129 Base Filing Fee $1,655
ACWIA Fee (25+ employees) $1,500
Fraud Prevention Fee $500
Asylum Program Fee $600
H-1B Registration Fee $215
Estimated Total per H-1B $4,470 - $7,275+

Recent H-1B rule changes have increased filing fees and introduced wage-level prioritization in the lottery. 3M's higher proportion of Level III-IV positions (76%) may benefit from wage-based lottery prioritization.

With 203 certified filings, 3M invests significantly in H-1B sponsorship. The company's 0% denial rate suggests strong compliance with H-1B requirements and documentation standards.

Note: H-1B regulations are subject to change. Fees shown are estimates based on 2024 USCIS fee schedules. Actual costs may vary based on company size, premium processing, and future rule changes.

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