Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Columbia University pays a median H-1B salary of $75,000 for sponsored positions, with an average of $95,191. The average prevailing wage across Columbia University's filings is $70,946. 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 $95,191, compared to an average prevailing wage of $70,946 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	770	$50,123	$71,292	$1,080,000
Postdoctoral Research Scientist	500	$42,130	$63,038	$903,600
Assistant Professor	342	$63,333	$141,363	$470,000
Staff Associate	131	$46,003	$60,255	$104,537
Instructor	60	$82,243	$108,200	$400,000
Senior Staff Associate	34	$62,478	$93,378	$134,000
Lecturer In Discipline	30	$52,000	$76,091	$122,500
Staff Associate Ii	28	$52,686	$71,205	$142,000
Technician B	25	$40,169	$42,201	$60,000
Associate Professor	24	$92,450	$179,000	$1,350,000
Assistant In Clinical	23	$70,000	$99,713	$150,000
Staff Associate I	22	$57,000	$62,400	$77,250
Postdoctoral Research Scholar	22	$52,000	$63,682	$86,920
Associate Research Scholar	19	$55,000	$86,500	$107,123
Staff Associate Iii	14	$60,000	$76,500	$107,149
Professor	13	$100,570	$220,000	$400,000
Clinical Research Coordinator	9	$53,000	$60,100	$80,000
Lecturer	9	$52,015	$61,000	$146,827
Senior Staff Associate I	8	$86,466	$90,500	$118,292
Data Analyst	8	$53,560	$60,500	$79,306

Location	Positions	Min	Median	Max
New York, New York	2,357	$33,483	$75,000	$1,500,000
Palisades, New York	63	$56,597	$74,305	$124,526
Irvington, New York	9	$48,899	$68,597	$125,000
Princeton, New Jersey	4	$73,258	$73,528	$78,600
San Diego, California	2	$105,000	$105,000	$105,000
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
Herndon, Virginia	1	$116,771	$116,771	$116,771

Columbia University — H-1B Sponsored Salaries

Columbia University H-1B Salary Data

Salary Distribution (2025)

Salary by Job Title (2025)

Salary by Location (2025)

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