OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta AI, and Stripe pay Level 4 wages for AI/ML roles — delivering 62% lottery odds under the wage-weighted system.
The San Francisco Bay Area is the only metro in the United States where Level 4 wages for AI and ML roles are the norm rather than the exception. Under the FY2027 wage-weighted lottery, Level 4 candidates receive a 62% selection probability versus 15% for Level 1. For international AI researchers and ML engineers, targeting SF Bay Area Level 4 sponsors is now the most statistically reliable path to an H-1B. This guide maps the specific companies, roles, and salary benchmarks.
| Company | Level 4 AI Median | Lottery Odds |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI | $310,000 | 62% |
| Anthropic | $295,000 | 62% |
| Google DeepMind | $280,000 | 62% |
| Meta AI | $265,000 | 62% |
| Stripe | $245,000 | 62% |
Information Gain: Our DOL LCA analysis shows that within the SF Bay Area AI sector, Level 4 filings have increased 47% YoY while Level 1 and 2 filings have declined. The shift is employer-driven: companies are proactively filing at higher wage levels to improve lottery odds for their preferred candidates. OpenAI filed 89% of its 2026 H-1Bs at Level 4, compared to 34% in 2024.
Pro Tip: If you have a PhD in ML or a published research record, negotiate your wage level explicitly during offer talks. Companies can legally file at higher levels if job duties support it. The difference between Level 2 and Level 4 is 31 percentage points of lottery odds — more valuable than any signing bonus.
Level 4 roles typically require a PhD or 5+ years of post-degree experience in the specific AI/ML domain. They are classified as Senior, Principal, or Staff level in title. Entry-level roles, even at top AI companies, are usually Level 2 or Level 3.
The SF Bay Area OEWS wage tables set the Level 4 threshold for Computer and Information Research Scientists at approximately $210,000 in 2026. Any company offering above this threshold can legitimately file at Level 4.
Beyond the top 5 companies listed, many Series B+ AI startups also file at Level 4 for senior hires. Companies like Scale AI, Cohere, Mistral US, and Character AI are actively filing in SF.
Find every Bay Area company filing Level 4 wages for AI and ML roles.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta AI, and Stripe file the majority of their AI/ML roles at Level 4. Additional Level 4 filers include Scale AI, Cohere, Mistral US, and Character AI. Level 4 AI role median base salary in SF is $245,000 with total comp exceeding $400,000 including equity.
Level 4 candidates receive 62% selection probability under the FY2027 wage-weighted lottery. This compares to 46% at Level 3, 31% at Level 2, and 15% at Level 1. Targeting Level 4 roles in SF Bay Area AI companies is the most statistically reliable path to an H-1B selection in 2026.
Level 4 roles typically require a PhD in machine learning, computer science, or related field — OR 5+ years of post-degree senior experience with published research. Titles include Senior, Principal, or Staff Research Scientist or ML Engineer. Entry-level roles are usually Level 2 or Level 3.
Yes. Companies can legally file at higher wage levels if job duties support it. Negotiate the wage level explicitly during offer talks with immigration attorney involvement. The difference between Level 2 and Level 4 is 31 percentage points of lottery odds — more valuable than most signing bonuses.