H-1B Salary Data & Trends (2026)
Comprehensive H-1B salary statistics from 3,526,670 certified filings across 177,485 employers (FY 2020-2026).
Median H-1B Salary (2026)
$126,302
75th Percentile
$164,715
90th Percentile
$209,000
H-1B Salary Range (2026)
H-1B salaries vary widely based on job type, experience level, and location. While entry-level positions start around $77,147, senior roles at top tech companies and medical specialists can earn well over $209,000. The range below shows where most H-1B workers fall.
80% of H-1B workers earn between $77,147 and $209,000
H-1B vs US Average Salary
H-1B visa holders earn significantly more than the typical American worker. This premium reflects the "specialty occupation" requirement—H-1B jobs must require at least a bachelor's degree and specialized expertise. Most H-1B positions are in high-paying fields like technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering.
H-1B workers earn 2.2x the US median salary
2026 H-1B Salary Distribution
Understanding salary percentiles helps you benchmark your offer. The median (50th percentile) represents a typical H-1B salary. If you're above the 75th percentile, you're earning more than three-quarters of H-1B workers. Percentiles are more useful than averages because they're not skewed by outliers.
| Percentile | Salary | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $77,147 | Entry-level H-1B positions |
| 25th Percentile | $96,034 | Below average H-1B salary |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $126,302 | Typical H-1B salary |
| 75th Percentile | $164,715 | Above average H-1B salary |
| 90th Percentile | $209,000 | Top 10% of H-1B salaries |
H-1B Salary Trends (2020-2026)
H-1B salaries have grown 30.8% since 2020, averaging 5.1% per year. This growth outpaces general US wage inflation, driven by high demand for skilled workers in technology, healthcare, and finance. The trend shows consistent year-over-year increases, with the largest jumps in 2021-2022 during the post-pandemic tech hiring boom.
| Year | Median | 75th Pctl | 90th Pctl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $96,595 | $123,053 | $155,000 |
| 2021 | $101,275 | $130,894 | $165,000 |
| 2022 | $107,994 | $140,000 | $175,000 |
| 2023 | $110,000 | $143,000 | $181,647 |
| 2024 | $113,443 | $150,000 | $188,500 |
| 2025 | $120,000 | $155,800 | $197,724 |
| 2026 | $126,302 | $164,715 | $209,000 |
Highest Paying H-1B Jobs
Medical specialists dominate the top of H-1B salary rankings, with cardiologists and surgeons earning $400,000-$500,000. However, these roles represent a small fraction of total H-1B filings. In technology—which accounts for over 60% of H-1B visas—senior software engineers and data scientists command $130,000-$200,000 at top companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon.
Medical Specialists
- Interventional Cardiologist$500,000
- Cardiologist$450,000
- Gastroenterologist$450,000
- Anesthesiologist$390,000
- Radiologist$380,000
Technology Roles
- Software Engineer II$144,000
- Senior Software Engineer$135,000
- Software Engineer$133,000
- Data Engineer$104,247
- Software Developer$96,595
Top H-1B Employers by Volume
The largest H-1B sponsors include both Big Tech companies (Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta) and IT consulting firms (Cognizant, Tata, Infosys). While consulting firms file more applications overall, tech companies typically offer higher salaries. Click any company to see their detailed salary data, top job titles, and approval rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median H-1B salary in 2026?
The median H-1B salary in 2026 is $126,302. This means half of all H-1B workers earn more and half earn less. The 75th percentile is $164,715, and the top 10% earn above $209,000.
What is the average H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary (which is more representative than the average) is $126,302 in 2026. The mean/average tends to be higher due to outliers in high-paying roles like physicians and executives.
How much have H-1B salaries increased?
H-1B median salaries have increased 30.8% from $96,595 in 2020 to $126,302 in 2026. This represents an average annual growth of 5.1%.
What is the minimum H-1B salary requirement?
There is no fixed minimum, but employers must pay the "prevailing wage" for the position and location. The lowest 10% of H-1B salaries are around $77,147, typically for entry-level positions in lower cost-of-living areas.
Which jobs pay the highest H-1B salaries?
Medical specialists (cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists) earn the highest H-1B salaries, often exceeding $400,000. In tech, senior engineers at top companies earn $150,000-$200,000+.