Leverage U.S. Department of Labor data to understand prevailing wages and negotiate effectively.
Understanding what constitutes a 'fair' H-1B salary in 2026 is crucial for both applicants and employers. This guide explains how to interpret U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) data, including LCA wage information, to establish competitive and compliant compensation.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Odds (Level 4) | ~62% | N/A (New System) |
| LCA Filing Records | 323,617 | N/A |
| PERM Records | 283,422 | N/A |
| PWD Records | 227,820 | N/A |
| New Form I-129 | Mandatory April 2026 | N/A |
Our analysis of LCA data reveals that the 'prevailing wage' set by the DOL is often a baseline. Companies that sponsor H-1B visas frequently offer salaries at or above this baseline, especially those aiming for higher wage levels in the lottery system, indicating that a 'fair' salary often exceeds the minimum requirement.
Use Get Wisa to compare the prevailing wage for your role and location against actual salaries listed in LCAs filed by companies. This provides a data-driven basis for negotiating a salary that is both fair and advantageous for the H-1B lottery.
Determining a 'fair' H-1B salary in 2026 involves understanding several key components: the DOL's prevailing wage determination (PWD), the employer's actual wage paid to similar employees, and the new wage-weighted lottery system. A fair salary should meet or exceed the prevailing wage and align with the employer's actual wage practices.
With the wage-weighted lottery, higher salaries (Level 3: ~46% odds, Level 4: ~62% odds) not only ensure compliance but also increase your chances of selection. The new Form I-129, mandatory from April 2026, requires accurate salary reporting. While the $100K fee is for consular processing, F-1 OPT Change of Status is exempt.
Here are examples illustrating how different companies file LCAs, reflecting varying salary levels:
Q: How does the DOL's prevailing wage affect my H-1B salary negotiation?
A: The prevailing wage is the minimum required salary. A 'fair' salary often exceeds this, especially for roles aiming for higher wage levels in the lottery.
Q: How can I find actual H-1B salaries filed by companies using DOL data?
A: Get Wisa provides access to LCA filings, showing the actual wages offered by companies. This data is essential for determining a fair and competitive salary.
Q: Does the new wage-weighted lottery influence what is considered a 'fair' H-1B salary?
A: Yes. Higher salaries increase lottery odds. Therefore, a 'fair' salary now also means one that strategically positions you for selection, ideally at Level 3 or 4.
Q: What is the difference between prevailing wage and actual wage for H-1B?
A: Prevailing wage is set by DOL. Actual wage is what the employer pays its similarly employed U.S. workers. A fair H-1B salary should meet or exceed both.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The prevailing wage is the minimum required salary. A 'fair' salary often exceeds this, especially for roles aiming for higher wage levels in the lottery.
Get Wisa provides access to LCA filings, showing the actual wages offered by companies. This data is essential for determining a fair and competitive salary.
Yes. Higher salaries increase lottery odds. Therefore, a 'fair' salary now also means one that strategically positions you for selection, ideally at Level 3 or 4.
Prevailing wage is set by DOL. Actual wage is what the employer pays its similarly employed U.S. workers. A fair H-1B salary should meet or exceed both.