H1B Salary Negotiation Guide 2025
Negotiate your H1B salary with confidence using data-driven insights from 590,846 official filings. Understand salary benchmarks, compare offers by occupation and location, and learn proven negotiation strategies.
Search EmployersKey Salary Statistics
H1B Salary Distribution
FY 2023-2025How H1B salaries are distributed across all occupations and employers
The median H1B salary is $117,075. 50% of H1B workers earn between $90,111 and $155,000.
Highest Paying H1B Occupations
FY 2023-25Top roles by median salary (minimum 500 filings)
H1B Salaries by State
FY 2023-25Top states ranked by median H1B salary
H1B Salary Trends
Median H1B salary by fiscal year
H1B salaries have shown consistent growth over the past several years, reflecting increasing demand for skilled workers and competitive compensation.
Top Paying H1B Employers
Companies with the highest median H1B salaries (100+ filings)
| Rank | Employer | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison New York, NY | $330,000 |
| 2 | OpenAI Opco San Francisco, CA | $310,000 |
| 3 | OSF Multi-Specialty Group PEORIA, IL | $304,253 |
| 4 | Hospitalist Medicine Physicians Of Texas BRENTWOOD, TN | $278,886 |
| 5 | USACS Medical Group CANTON, OH | $276,640 |
| 6 | Hartford HealthCare Medical Group WETHERSFIELD, CT | $262,300 |
| 7 | Simpson Thacher & Bartlett New York, NY | $260,000 |
| 8 | Roblox Redwood City, CA | $255,200 |
| 9 | Citadel Securities Americas Services Chicago, IL | $252,500 |
| 10 | West Virginia University Medical Morgantown, WV | $252,401 |
| 11 | White & Case New York, NY | $250,000 |
| 12 | Roku SARATOGA, CA | $240,125 |
| 13 | Citadel Enterprise Americas Services Chicago, IL | $240,000 |
| 14 | Reddit SAN FRANCISCO, CA | $240,000 |
| 15 | Plaid NEW YORK, NY | $240,000 |
H1B Salary Negotiation Strategies
1. Know Your Market Value
Before any negotiation, research salary benchmarks for your specific role and location. Use H1Bee to find what companies are paying for your occupation. The data shows significant variation even within the same job title.
Physicians, All Other median salary: $255,000
Range: $74,895 - $400,000 (P10-P90)
2. Understand Prevailing Wage Requirements
H1B employers must pay at least the "prevailing wage" for your position as determined by the Department of Labor. There are four wage levels:
- Level 1: Entry-level positions with basic knowledge
- Level 2: Qualified positions with limited experience
- Level 3: Experienced positions with specialized skills
- Level 4: Expert positions with extensive experience
Most H1B offers start at Level 1 or 2. If you have significant experience, argue for a higher wage level, which automatically increases the salary floor.
3. Consider Total Compensation
Base salary is just one component. Consider negotiating:
- Signing bonus (especially to offset relocation costs)
- Stock options or RSUs
- Annual bonus targets
- Relocation assistance
- Immigration support (green card sponsorship timeline)
4. Factor in Location
H1B salaries vary dramatically by location. Our data shows California pays 33% above the national average, but cost of living is also higher. Consider requesting location adjustment if working in a high-cost area.
5. Time Your Ask Strategically
The best time to negotiate is after receiving a written offer but before signing. Once the LCA is filed, changing salary becomes more complex. If you're already employed, annual reviews and internal transfers are good opportunities to renegotiate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average H1B salary?
The median H1B salary is $117,075. The top 10% of H1B workers earn $197,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $72,345 or less. Salaries vary significantly by occupation, location, and experience level.
How do H1B salaries vary by occupation?
H1B salaries vary significantly by occupation. The highest-paying roles include Physicians, All Other, General Internal Medicine Physicians, Family Medicine Physicians. Physicians, All Other positions have a median salary of $255,000.
Can I negotiate H1B salary after receiving an offer?
Yes, you can negotiate an H1B salary offer. Employers file the Labor Condition Application (LCA) with a salary that must meet the prevailing wage for the position. You can negotiate for a higher salary as long as it meets or exceeds the required prevailing wage level for your job and location.
How does H1B salary compare to market rate?
H1B salaries must meet DOL prevailing wage requirements, which are based on occupation, location, and experience level. Our data shows H1B salaries are typically competitive with or above market rates due to these legal requirements. The median H1B salary is $117,075.
Which H1B jobs pay the most?
The highest-paying H1B occupations include Physicians, All Other ($255,000), General Internal Medicine Physicians ($246,000), Family Medicine Physicians ($238,727), Lawyers ($220,000), Chief Executives ($217,750). These roles typically require specialized technical skills and are concentrated in technology, finance, and healthcare industries.
Ready to Research Your Salary?
Search our database of 67,718 H1B employers to find salary benchmarks for your target companies and roles.