Question 1

What is the median H-1B salary at Columbia University?

Accepted Answer

Columbia University pays a median H-1B salary of $76,250 for sponsored positions, with an average of $97,203. The average prevailing wage across Columbia University's filings is $72,016. These figures are based on Labor Condition Application filings with the Department of Labor.

Question 2

What is a prevailing wage determination?

Accepted Answer

A prevailing wage determination (PWD) is a wage rate set by the Department of Labor for a specific occupation and geographic area. Before filing an LCA, employers request a PWD from the DOL, which surveys wage data to determine what workers in similar roles are typically paid in that location. H-1B employers must pay at least the prevailing wage or the actual wage paid to other employees in the same role, whichever is higher. The prevailing wage column in the table above shows the DOL-determined floor for each position.

Question 3

How does Columbia University pay compared to the prevailing wage?

Accepted Answer

Columbia University's average offered wage is $97,203, compared to an average prevailing wage of $72,016 across its filings. When a company pays above the prevailing wage, it indicates the offered salary exceeds the DOL-determined market rate for the occupation and area. The salary table above shows both the offered and prevailing wages for each individual filing.

Question 4

What are H-1B wage levels I through IV?

Accepted Answer

The DOL sets prevailing wages at four levels: Level I (Entry) at the 17th percentile, Level II (Qualified) at the 34th percentile, Level III (Experienced) at the 50th percentile, and Level IV (Expert) at the 67th percentile. These levels reflect the complexity of the job duties and experience required. The prevailing wage is specific to each occupation (SOC code) and metropolitan statistical area. Higher wage levels indicate more senior positions.

Question 5

What is the H-1B salary requirement?

Accepted Answer

There is no single minimum salary for H-1B visas. Employers must pay the higher of the actual wage (what they pay other employees in the same role) or the prevailing wage determined by the DOL for the specific occupation and geographic area. The prevailing wage varies by job, location, and wage level. A Level I software engineer in a small metro area will have a very different floor than a Level IV software engineer in San Francisco or New York.

Job Title	Positions	Min	Median	Max
Associate Research Scientist	814	$50,123	$73,528	$1,080,000
Postdoctoral Research Scientist	528	$42,130	$64,470	$916,620
Assistant Professor	365	$63,333	$143,917	$539,773
Staff Associate	133	$46,003	$60,255	$104,537
Instructor	63	$82,243	$108,200	$400,000
Senior Staff Associate	37	$62,478	$91,998	$134,000
Lecturer In Discipline	36	$52,000	$79,500	$122,773
Staff Associate Ii	36	$52,686	$75,500	$142,000
Assistant In Clinical	26	$70,000	$100,000	$150,000
Associate Professor	25	$92,450	$180,000	$1,350,000
Staff Associate I	25	$57,000	$62,462	$84,048
Technician B	25	$40,169	$42,201	$60,000
Associate Research Scholar	24	$55,000	$85,737	$107,123
Postdoctoral Research Scholar	24	$52,000	$66,532	$86,920
Staff Associate Iii	19	$60,000	$78,000	$107,149
Professor	15	$100,570	$227,700	$500,000
Lecturer	10	$52,015	$62,694	$146,827
Lecturer In Chinese	10	$57,314	$75,000	$85,803
Clinical Research Coordinator	9	$53,000	$60,100	$80,000
Senior Staff Associate I	8	$86,466	$90,500	$118,292

Location	Positions	Min	Median	Max
New York, New York	2,508	$33,483	$76,507	$1,500,000
Palisades, New York	65	$56,597	$74,263	$124,526
Irvington, New York	10	$48,899	$70,806	$125,000
Princeton, New Jersey	4	$73,258	$73,528	$78,600
San Diego, California	2	$105,000	$105,000	$105,000
Room 646, New York	1	$61,800	$61,800	$61,800
Washington, District of Columbia	1	$129,150	$129,150	$129,150
Bronx, New York	1	$66,100	$66,100	$66,100
Bronxville, New York	1	$300,000	$300,000	$300,000
Brooklyn, New York	1	$71,000	$71,000	$71,000

Columbia University — H-1B Sponsored Salaries

Columbia University H1B Salaries

Salary Distribution (2026)

Salary by Job Title (2026)

Salary by Location (2026)

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