Kentucky H-1B Wage Level Breakdown 2026
Most certified H-1B petitions in Kentucky are filed at Level II (Qualified)(48.3% of 9,304 filings). Because the 2026 wage-weighted lottery gives higher DOL prevailing wage levels more entries in the selection pool (Level IV = 4, III = 3, II = 2, I = 1), where your employer files directly shapes your selection odds.
Wage Level Distribution & 2026 Lottery Entry Weight
| DOL Wage Level | Share of Filings | Median Wage | 25th–75th | 2026 Lottery Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 15.6% | $70K | $60K–$85K | 1× |
| Level II (Qualified) | 48.3% | $82K | $72K–$95K | 2× |
| Level III (Experienced) | 18.3% | $101K | $89K–$121K | 3× |
| Level IV (Expert) | 17.8% | $130K | $112K–$153K | 4× |
Distribution across 9,304 certified LCA filings with a Kentucky worksite (DOL FY2022–2026). Entry-weight column reflects the DHS wage-weighted selection rule effective February 27, 2026 (Level IV = 4 entries, III = 3, II = 2, I = 1 in the registration pool). USCIS has not published official aggregate selection-rate percentages by wage level, so none are stated here.
Kentucky Employers Filing at Level III–IV
These Kentucky employers most often file petitions at the higher prevailing wage levels — the tiers with the strongest selection odds under the 2026 wage-weighted lottery.
| Employer | Level | Filings | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana, Inc. | Level IV | 367 | $135K |
| Tata Consultancy Services Limited | Level III | 206 | $91K |
| University of Kentucky | Level IV | 157 | $240K |
| Archer Daniels Midland Company | Level IV | 105 | $145K |
| Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc. | Level IV | 59 | $130K |
| UofL Health - Louisville, Inc. | Level IV | 53 | $74K |
| Coolsoft LLC | Level III | 45 | $91K |
| Cognizant Technology Solutions US Corp | Level IV | 43 | $105K |
Ranked by Level III–IV filing volume in Kentucky. Linked employers have a full sponsorship profile.
What DOL Wage Levels Mean
Every H-1B Labor Condition Application is filed at one of four DOL prevailing wage levels, set by the role's required experience and the OES survey for the occupation and location:
- Level I (Entry): roughly the 17th percentile wage — new graduates and early-career hires.
- Level II (Qualified): ~34th percentile — some experience, the most common H-1B level.
- Level III (Experienced): ~50th percentile — independent, senior-leaning roles.
- Level IV (Expert): ~67th percentile and up — lead, principal, and managerial roles.
Related H-1B Data
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Wage-level distribution aggregated from DOL LCA disclosure files (FY2022–2026), filtered to certified petitions with wages between $30K and $1M. Based on 9,304 certified filings with a Kentucky worksite and a reported DOL prevailing wage level. Lottery entry-weight figures reflect the DHS wage-weighted selection rule effective February 27, 2026; USCIS has not published official aggregate selection-rate percentages by wage level.