Legal Counsel H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 151 certified H-1B filings for Legal Counsel positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $136,000, which is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Legal Counsel H-1B salaries fall between $95,000 and $190,000.
Median Salary Trend
Legal Counsel salaries have grown -4% from FY 2020 ($125,000) to FY 2026 ($120,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Legal Counsel
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| APPLE | 16 | $220,177 |
| BISONTE INDUSTRIAL USA | 5 | $90,000 |
| INSPIRATION GLOBAL | 4 | $101,744 |
| CAROLINAS FERTILITY INSTITUTE, P.A | 3 | $76,086 |
| BACHI.TECH | 3 | $95,222 |
| MAN INVESTMENTS USA HOLDINGS | 3 | $230,000 |
| TAPTAP SEND PAYMENTS | 3 | $140,000 |
| BOSEN AMERICAN CAPITAL | 2 | $150,000 |
| AMERICAN DA TANG REALTY | 2 | $59,000 |
| MICROSOFT | 2 | $200,349 |
Top Locations for Legal Counsel
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 36 | $143,998 |
| Cupertino, CA | 12 | $220,177 |
| San Francisco, CA | 8 | $200,200 |
| Chicago, IL | 6 | $194,522 |
| Baltimore, MD | 6 | $90,000 |
| Miami, FL | 5 | $59,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 4 | $232,174 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 4 | $151,840 |
| Hummelstown, PA | 4 | $101,744 |
| Irvine, CA | 3 | $124,987 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Legal Counsel is $136,000, based on 151 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -4% since FY 2020 ($125,000 → $120,000).
Salaries span a $141,651 range from the 10th percentile ($83,054) to the 90th percentile ($224,705). The middle 50% of Legal Counsels earn between $95,000 and $190,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
APPLE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 16 certified filings at a median salary of $220,177. Among the top sponsors, MAN INVESTMENTS USA HOLDINGS pays the highest median at $230,000. The pay spread across top employers is 290%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Legal Counsel H-1B filings (36) at a median of $143,998. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Sunnyvale, CA at $232,174.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Legal Counsel H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Legal Counsel positions is $136,000, based on 151 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $190,000 to $224,705, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $83,054 to $95,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $83,054
- 25th percentile
- $95,000
- Median
- $136,000
- 75th percentile
- $190,000
- 90th percentile
- $224,705
Salaries range from $83,054 at the 10th percentile to $224,705 at the 90th percentile, showing a $141,651 spread. The 25th percentile is $95,000 and the 75th percentile is $190,000.
Which companies hire the most Legal Counsels on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Legal Counsel 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.
APPLE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Legal Counsel positions with 16 filings at a median salary of $220,177. BISONTE INDUSTRIAL USA follows with 5 filings.
Where are Legal Counsel H-1B jobs located?
Legal Counsel 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 Legal Counsels 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.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Legal Counsel H-1B filings with 36 positions at a median salary of $143,998. The highest-paying location is Cupertino, CA at $220,177 median.
How have Legal Counsel salaries changed over time?
Legal Counsel H-1B salaries have changed by -4% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $125,000 to $120,000 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.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $142,912 (28 certified)
- FY 2023: $96,262 (19 certified)
- FY 2024: $143,998 (33 certified)
- FY 2025: $161,400 (28 certified)
- FY 2026: $120,000 (3 certified)