If you’re an employer or an H1B employee, attaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate world of H1B wage levels in 2024 is vital. Having this knowledge will enable you to comprehend the four H1B wage levels and how they directly influence fair compensation.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you delve deep into the complexities of H1B wage levels and discover the key factors that influence them. Therefore, don’t miss out on this opportunity to be well-informed and empowered!
What are H-1B Salary/ Wage Levels?
Referring to the minimum wage a worker earns in a specific area for a specific job with particular experience, the H-1B wage level or H-1B prevailing wage is defined by the US Department of Labor (DOL) and based on the prevailing wage data collected under Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Program based on education, experience, and location, similar to US workers.
Employers are required to fill in the wage level data as part of the H1B LCA during the Labor Condition Application process.
The US Department of Labor has divided the H-1B prevailing wage level, wage, and join type into four categories:
- Wage Level 1 – Lower – Entry-level
- Wage Level 2- Moderate- Qualified
- Wage Level 3- Higher- Experienced
- Wage Level 4- Highest- Advanced
Here’s a chart that explains these categories with example:
| Wage Level | Wage | Job Type | Experience (in years) | Meaning | Examples | Salary |
| Level 1 | Lower | Entry-level | 0-2 | Corresponding to 17th percentile, this wage level is for entry-level H-1B workers with basic knowledge of job. | Junior Software Developer, Research Assistant | Ranges from $38,000 to $51,000 per-annum |
| Level 2 | Moderate | Qualified | 2-5 | Corresponding to 34th percentile, this wage level is for moderate level H-1B workers qualified with proper education, experience of performing task with limited judgement. | Experienced Financial Analyst, Mid-level Project Coordinator | Ranges from $51,000 to $65,000 per-annum |
| Level 3 | Higher | Experienced | 5-10 | Corresponding to 50th percentile, this wage level is for higher level experienced H-1B workers having proper education and experience of performing task with judgement. | Senior Software Engineer, Marketing Manager with years of experience | Ranges from $65,000 to $75,000 per-annum |
| Level 4 | Highest | Advanced | 10+ | Corresponding to 67th percentile, this wage level is for highest level H-1B advanced workers qualified with proper education, experience of performing complex task with judgement management roles. | Senior Research Scientist, High-level Management Role, Specialized Consultant | Ranges from $78,000 to $90,000 per-annum |
Highlights H-1B Salary/ Wage Levels table:
- The H-1B visa program requires that the job being offered is classified as a specialty occupation falling within a Job Zone of 4 or higher.
- Job Zones 4 and above commonly require higher levels of education, experience, and skills.
- This provision enables the program’s integrity by ensuring that H-1B visas are bestowed to individuals with specialized knowledge and skills not readily available in the domestic workforce.
How are Prevailing Wages Determined?
The prevailing wages are determined by the employers seeking the wage rate from the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) or availing other authorized sources, including:
- Since 1998 the Bureau of Labor Statistics within the US Department of Labor has been collecting wage data through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program. Notably, the data can be accessed on the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center Online Wage Library website.
- The US Department of Labor oversees several employment-based visa programs that demand employers to pay prevailing wages as a minimum.
- This requirement applies specifically to the H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa programs where the employers must pay either the prevailing wage or actual wage (whichever is higher) to workers possessing similar qualifications and skills.
How much is the H-1B Visa Minimum Salary in 2024?
The US Department of Labor has established wage requirements for several employment-based visa programs, including the H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 programs. This requirement ensures that foreign workers are not employed at wages lower than those paid to US workers with comparable skills and experience.
For H-1B non-immigrants, whether working full-time or part-time, it is obligatory to receive actual wages of at least $60,000 in a calendar year.
These wages must be paid in cash with no deductions or commitments and must be disbursed on time as consented, to comply with the regulations and guidelines established by the US Department of Labor.
How much is the H1B Minimum wage requirement 2023?
The US Department of Labor mandates wage standards for various visa programs like H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3, ensuring foreign workers are paid at least as much as their US counterparts with similar skills and experience.
H-1B visa holders, whether full-time or part-time, must earn at least $60,000 annually, paid in cash without deductions or delays, to adhere to these regulations.
What are H-1B Wage Level Requirements for LCA?
To an H-1B visa applicant, the basic knowledge of wage level requirements of the Labor Condition Application process is inevitable. Read the points mentioned below for better comprehension:
- H-1B employer is liable to submit all relevant employment data including pay, level, site, and title to the US Department of Labor so that the H-1B worker gets his/her most deserved prevailing wage similar to other employees.
- Listing down one’s wage level appropriately is a must while presenting an appeal. The H1B visa program authorizes companies in the U.S. to employ foreign workers with specialized knowledge and proficiency.
- The H1B visa application must demonstrate that the applicant possesses unique skills, knowledge, or abilities that are not easily found in the U.S. Therefore, the wage level is crucial in determining whether an H1B visa is approved and, if so, at what salary.
- You ought to ensure that your preferred H-1B position possesses a wage level that sustains your immigration request.
- It must align with your qualifications and the nature of the job you’ll be performing.
- To ensure fair compensation, consider prevailing wage rates when evaluating an employer’s offer for a specified wage level.
- It’s highly recommended to be fully aware of the prevailing wage rates for your occupation and location and familiar with fair compensation standards and any potential changes that may affect your H1B employment.
- You must consider seeking guidance from an immigration attorney who possesses experience and expertise on this subject matter and enhances your chances of approval for an H1-B visa.
- To ensure a smooth application process and a fair working environment for H1B visa holders, it’s crucial to know and follow the wage level requirements in the LCA process.
Note: To find out your H1B Wage Level, check Section G of your Labor Condition Application. It has crucial information about your H-1B position, like the Wage Level, prevailing wage in your area, and the year of the wage database. Your future employer should have given you this info.
Where to Find Out About Your H-1B Prevailing Wage?
When applying for an H1-B visa, it’s crucial to determine the prevailing wage for your occupation.
You can do this:
- by comparing job postings and offered wages.
- by consulting with an immigration professional.
- by checking with the US Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification.
Being accurate in your assessment is vital to ensure proper payment once you enter the US.
How to Find the H1B Prevailing Wage for Job by Location/History?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to find the H-1B prevailing wage at a particular place:
Step 1: Go to the H1BGrader.com Prevailing Wage Search Page website
Step 2: Choose the Job Title and SOC Code. You may begin typing to get suggestions. Select them at your discretion, then press the Search button.
Step 3: The search results display the H1B prevailing wage levels, with a starting salary that must be compensated to H1B workers at each level.
Notably, you can refer to the history of H1B prevailing wages over the past 5 years and follow the same procedures as mentioned above.
How to Check H1B Wage Levels Using FLCDataCenter?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the FLCDatacenter.com site to estimate the minimum wage (prevailing wage) for an H1-B job position:
Step 1: “Select Wizard”
To determine the prevailing wage for your occupation when applying for an H1-B visa, visit the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center website and use the search wizard or choose Quick Search. Pick a state and follow the steps appropriately.
Step 2: “Select your Location”
To find the appropriate database for Prevailing Wage, consider all industries and select a location. Then choose the job title or use a keyword search if necessary.
Step 3: “Hit Search”
A list of wage info appears once you follow the above procedure. After pressing the search button all the wage levels and minimum wage will appear on your screen.
To ensure your H1B paperwork and approval with DOL and USCIS, it’s crucial to inquire about the SOC code and wage rate for your job. You can also review the database for Prevailing Wage by industry and location or use a keyword search if needed.
How to Find Your Current Wage Level in H1B LCA?
Below are the guidelines to find your current wage level in H-1B LCA:
- Refer to the comprehensive H1B Labor Condition Application that inulates all info related to your H-1B position.
- Ask for a copy of your H-1B LCA from your employer.
- Go to section G to review the wage level info thereby unveiling the salary levels available in a specific region, wage levels, and the wage database year with comfort.
The April 2017 Policy Memorandum states that H1B visas are not accessible for Computer Programmer Level 1 salaries as they aren’t regarded as specialties. This makes it challenging to determine the appropriate wage level.
What are the Benefits of Prevailing Wages?
The benefits of prevailing wages are shared by employers, employees, businesses, and the U.S. economy as a whole. The following are the pros:
Gaps in the Race’s Prevailing Wage Rate Have Reduced
Employers may unfairly treat hardworking employees and take advantage of their skills due to racial prejudices. To promote equality and protect employee rights, prevailing wage laws are enforced by the federal government, which mandates equal pay for all employees, regardless of their race. Besides, the prevailing wage law guarantees that suppliers pay their workers at least the current going rate for similar work, and the FLSA prohibits employers from exploiting their employees. These laws provide employees with protection against financial discrimination and help uphold their rights.
Encourages Better Productivity and Improved Performance
The prevailing wage law confirms that employees are equitably compensated and protects against exploitation. It sets a standard wage for similar work and upholds employee rights. This assures workers, especially those from other countries, about their compensation and the process.
Encourages Economic Growth
The H-1B wage law defends citizens and promotes accountability to the state. Employers prioritize hiring their workforce and equipping them with essential resources.
Establishes the Groundwork for a Fair Working Atmosphere
The H-1B visa program guarantees that employees in similar roles hold equal opportunities and fosters a collaborative and thriving work environment by treating all workers equally in terms of pay.
Conclusion
It’s to be concluded that you’re now entirely prepared to navigate the H1B wage levels and determine the appropriate pay for your education and skills.
Meeting these requirements can help you secure a mortgage and purchase a home while on an H1B visa in the United States.