Wise vs Payoneer for South Asian Freelancers (2026): Which Is Better in Pakistan, India & Bangladesh?
Wise vs Payoneer for South Asian Freelancers (2026): Which Is Better in Pakistan, India & Bangladesh?
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H1B Salary Calculator 2026 - Prevailing Wage LCA Calculator USA
Last Updated: January 2026 | Data Source: US Department of Labor OES 2025
H1B visa holders must be paid the "prevailing wage" or actual wage, whichever is higher. This free H1B salary calculator checks minimum LCA wage requirements for 2026 based on job title, location, and wage level.
Quick Answer: Average H1B salary 2026 is $118,000/year. Software Engineers: $125K-$185K. Data Scientists: $130K-$210K. Minimum wage depends on Level 1-4 and city.
H1B Prevailing Wage Calculator Tool
Enter your job details below to calculate minimum H1B salary required by DOL. Based on OES Level 1-4 wages for 2026.
💼 H1B Salary Calculator 2026
Required H1B Prevailing Wage
$125,000
Level 2 - Qualified
Job Title:Software Developers
Location:San Jose CA
Hourly Rate:$60.10
Monthly:$10,417
Yearly Minimum:$125,000
US H1B Average:5.9% above avg
Disclaimer: Based on DOL OES May 2025 data. This is minimum prevailing wage only. Actual H1B salary offered by employer must be >= this amount OR actual wage paid to similar US workers, whichever higher. Tax not included. Always verify with official DOL Foreign Labor Certification Data Center.
Average H1B Salary by Job 2026
Top H1B occupations and their average salaries:
| Job Title | H1B Avg Salary | Level 1 Min | Level 4 Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $145,000 | $95,000 | $185,000 |
| Data Scientists | $155,000 | $105,000 | $210,000 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $115,000 | $78,000 | $152,000 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $108,000 | $72,000 | $145,000 |
| Accountants | $85,000 | $58,000 | $118,000 |
H1B Wage Levels Explained
| Level | Experience | % of Mean Wage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Entry | 0-2 years | 17th percentile | Basic understanding, works under supervision |
| Level 2 Qualified | 2-4 years | 34th percentile | Moderate understanding, limited supervision |
| Level 3 Experienced | 4-6 years | 50th percentile | Full competence, works independently |
| Level 4 Expert | 6+ years | 67th percentile | Advanced, plans/supervises work |
Highest Paying H1B Cities 2026
H1B minimum wages vary 60% by location due to cost of living:
| Metro Area | Software Dev Level 2 | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose CA | $155,000 | +31.4% |
| San Francisco CA | $148,000 | +25.4% |
| Seattle WA | $138,000 | +16.9% |
| New York NY | $135,000 | +14.4% |
| Boston MA | $132,000 | +11.9% |
| Austin TX | $118,000 | 0% |
| Dallas TX | $112,000 | -5.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is H1B prevailing wage?
Prevailing wage is minimum salary DOL requires employers to pay H1B workers. Based on job, location, and skill level. Employer must pay prevailing wage OR actual wage to similar US workers, whichever is higher.
Can H1B salary be lower than prevailing wage?
No. If employer pays below prevailing wage, H1B petition will be denied or LCA will be rejected. DOL audits can result in fines $1,000-$35,000 per violation.
What is Level 1 vs Level 4 H1B?
Level 1 = entry level 0-2 years exp, 17th percentile wage. Level 4 = expert 6+ years, 67th percentile. Most new grad H1Bs are Level 1. Level depends on job requirements, not just your experience.
Is $100K good H1B salary?
$100K is above national H1B average of $118K but may be below minimum in expensive cities. San Jose Level 2 requires $155K. Austin Level 2 requires $118K. Check calculator for your city.
Do H1B salaries include bonus?
No. Prevailing wage is base salary only. Bonuses, stock, benefits don't count toward minimum. Employer must pay base >= prevailing wage, then add bonus on top.
Sources
1. US Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, OES Prevailing Wage Data May 2025.
2. USCIS H-1B Characteristics Report FY 2025.
3. Foreign Labor Certification Data Center flcdatacenter.com
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