Specialist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 597 certified H-1B filings for Specialist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $102,835, which is 19% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Specialist H-1B salaries fall between $87,125 and $161,200.
Median Salary Trend
Specialist salaries have grown -4% from FY 2020 ($106,700) to FY 2026 ($102,400).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Specialist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO | 188 | $90,000 |
| MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES | 163 | $177,700 |
| MICROSOFT | 38 | $125,600 |
| TRANSUNION | 27 | $90,000 |
| DELOITTE | 21 | $109,700 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE | 16 | $93,200 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | 14 | $88,400 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA BARBARA | 14 | $85,600 |
| LARSEN & TOUBRO INFOTECH | 14 | $81,806 |
| IBASE CONSULTING OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY | 11 | $80,000 |
Top Locations for Specialist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 204 | $90,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 71 | $175,500 |
| Chicago, IL | 41 | $164,800 |
| Irvine, CA | 16 | $93,200 |
| Berkeley, CA | 14 | $88,400 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 14 | $85,600 |
| Irving, TX | 13 | $105,800 |
| Boston, MA | 12 | $174,200 |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | 11 | $75,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | 11 | $165,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Specialist is $102,835, based on 597 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 19% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown -4% since FY 2020 ($106,700 → $102,400).
Salaries span a $112,000 range from the 10th percentile ($80,000) to the 90th percentile ($192,000). The middle 50% of Specialists earn between $87,125 and $161,200, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 188 certified filings at a median salary of $90,000. Among the top sponsors, MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES pays the highest median at $177,700. The pay spread across top employers is 122%.
Geographically, San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Specialist H-1B filings (204) at a median of $90,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is New York, NY at $175,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Specialist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Specialist positions is $102,835, based on 597 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 19% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $161,200 to $192,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $80,000 to $87,125. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $80,000
- 25th percentile
- $87,125
- Median
- $102,835
- 75th percentile
- $161,200
- 90th percentile
- $192,000
Salaries range from $80,000 at the 10th percentile to $192,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $112,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $87,125 and the 75th percentile is $161,200.
Which companies hire the most Specialists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Specialist 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.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO is the largest H-1B sponsor for Specialist positions with 188 filings at a median salary of $90,000. MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES follows with 163 filings.
Where are Specialist H-1B jobs located?
Specialist 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 Specialists 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.
San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Specialist H-1B filings with 204 positions at a median salary of $90,000. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $175,500 median.
How have Specialist salaries changed over time?
Specialist H-1B salaries have changed by -4% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $106,700 to $102,400 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: $111,200 (85 certified)
- FY 2023: $101,900 (82 certified)
- FY 2024: $95,500 (71 certified)
- FY 2025: $102,400 (74 certified)
- FY 2026: $102,400 (63 certified)