Evaluate H-1B job offers beyond base salary — RSUs, signing bonus, visa sponsorship value, and benefits all count.
H-1B Total Compensation: Salary + Equity + Benefits
Evaluate H-1B job offers beyond base salary — RSUs, signing bonus, visa sponsorship value, and benefits all count.
Key H-1B Salary Rules
The Department of Labor (DOL) sets prevailing wage requirements for H-1B workers. Your employer must pay you the higher of:
1. The actual wage paid to similarly employed workers at the company
2. The prevailing wage for your occupation and location
The 4 Wage Levels
| Level | Description | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry | 0-2 years experience, limited complexity |
| Level II | Qualified | 2-5 years, moderate complexity |
| Level III | Experienced | 5-8 years, complex tasks, some supervision |
| Level IV | Fully Competent | 8+ years, high complexity, little supervision |
Most mid-career tech workers should be at Level III or IV. Being filed at Level I for a senior role is a common source of RFEs.
What Affects Your H-1B Salary
Transfer money internationally with real mid-market rates and low fees. Trusted by 16M+ customers.
Send Money with Wise →
- Location: San Jose prevailing wages are 30-50% higher than mid-tier cities
- Occupation code (SOC): Computer Systems Analysts vs Software Developers have different prevailing wages
- Years of experience: More experience = higher wage level
- Employer size: Large employers often pay above market; startups may file at minimum
Negotiating Above Prevailing Wage
Prevailing wage is the floor, not the ceiling. To negotiate higher:
1. Research LCA data: Use H1BData.info or the DOL LCA database to see what your employer actually pays similar workers
2. Use levels.fyi: For tech roles, levels.fyi has verified total compensation by company and level
3. Negotiate total comp: Base + RSUs + bonus + 401(k) match + visa cost coverage all have real dollar value
4. Reference competing offers: Even on H-1B, competing offers are your strongest negotiation tool
Tax Impact on Your Salary
At a $150,000 salary in California:
- Federal tax: ~$28,000 (22-24% effective rate)
- California state tax: ~$13,500 (9% effective)
- FICA: ~$11,475 (Social Security + Medicare)
- Take-home: ~$97,000 before 401(k) contributions
In Texas with the same salary:
- No state income tax saves ~$13,500/year
- Take-home: ~$110,500
Resources
- DOL FLC Data Center — Official prevailing wage search
- H1BData.info — LCA salary database by employer
- levels.fyi — Tech compensation by company and level
- Glassdoor — Salary data by company
📥 Get the Free H1B Credit Card Guide
5-page free PDF — which card to apply for based on your month-in-US, visa, and credit score.
🔒 Free 5-page PDF. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.