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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

Foreign Language Instructor H-1B Visa Salary Data

There have been 199 certified H-1B filings for Foreign Language Instructor positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $64,910, which is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.

199
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$64,910
Median Salary
-50% vs national
$85,840
90th Percentile
Top earners
+76%
Salary Growth
Since FY 2020

Salary Distribution

Salary Range Distribution

Most Foreign Language Instructor H-1B salaries fall between $64,180 and $70,250.

Median Salary Trend

Foreign Language Instructor salaries have grown 76% from FY 2020 ($48,080) to FY 2026 ($84,383).

Top Employers & Locations

Top Employers for Foreign Language Instructor

Top Locations for Foreign Language Instructor

Location Filings Median
Monterey, CA (all jobs) 186 $64,910
Seaside, CA 4 $85,840
Mililani, HI 4 $64,910
Offutt Afb Language Training Detach, NE 1 $54,377
New York, NY 1 $67,080
Linthicum, MD 1 $64,910
Eisenhower, GA 1 $64,910
Salinas, CA 1 $64,180

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary for Foreign Language Instructor is $64,910, based on 199 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 76% since FY 2020 ($48,080 → $84,383).

Salaries span a $32,610 range from the 10th percentile ($53,230) to the 90th percentile ($85,840). The middle 50% of Foreign Language Instructors earn between $64,180 and $70,250, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.

US ARMY DEFENSE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CENTER is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 198 certified filings at a median salary of $64,910. Among the top sponsors, RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF CUNY pays the highest median at $67,080.

Geographically, Monterey, CA has the highest concentration of Foreign Language Instructor H-1B filings (186) at a median of $64,910. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Seaside, CA at $85,840.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Foreign Language Instructor H-1B salary?

The median H-1B salary for Foreign Language Instructor positions is $64,910, based on 199 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $70,250 to $85,840, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $53,230 to $64,180. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.

10th percentile
$53,230
25th percentile
$64,180
Median
$64,910
75th percentile
$70,250
90th percentile
$85,840

Salaries range from $53,230 at the 10th percentile to $85,840 at the 90th percentile, showing a $32,610 spread. The 25th percentile is $64,180 and the 75th percentile is $70,250.

Which companies hire the most Foreign Language Instructors on H-1B?

H-1B sponsorship for Foreign Language Instructor positions is primarily driven by universities, research institutions, and academic medical centers. These employers sponsor international scholars and researchers who bring specialized expertise and contribute to teaching, research, and academic programs. Salaries vary based on institution type, geographic location, and field of specialization.

US ARMY DEFENSE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CENTER is the largest H-1B sponsor for Foreign Language Instructor positions with 198 filings at a median salary of $64,910. RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF CUNY follows with 1 filings.

Where are Foreign Language Instructor H-1B jobs located?

Foreign Language Instructor H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Foreign Language Instructors across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.

Monterey, CA has the highest concentration of Foreign Language Instructor H-1B filings with 186 positions at a median salary of $64,910. The highest-paying location is Seaside, CA at $85,840 median.

How have Foreign Language Instructor salaries changed over time?

Foreign Language Instructor H-1B salaries have grown by +76% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $48,080 to $84,383 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.

Salary Distribution by Year
FY 21
$57K
FY 22
$68K
FY 23
$70K
FY 24
$65K
FY 25
$84K
FY 26
$84K
$48K $86K

Year-by-year breakdown:

  • FY 2022: $67,863 (26 certified)
  • FY 2023: $70,250 (28 certified)
  • FY 2024: $64,910 (49 certified)
  • FY 2025: $84,383 (43 certified)
  • FY 2026: $84,383 (6 certified)