Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Cornell University pays a median H-1B salary of $74,234 for sponsored positions, with an average of $95,820. The average prevailing wage across Cornell University's filings is $71,472. 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 Cornell University pay compared to the prevailing wage?

Accepted Answer

Cornell University's average offered wage is $95,820, compared to an average prevailing wage of $71,472 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
Postdoctoral Associate	375	$47,000	$59,000	$100,000
Assistant Professor	270	$68,880	$123,803	$290,000
Research Associate	189	$47,484	$70,000	$168,376
Lecturer	65	$42,931	$73,500	$171,434
Professor	24	$144,620	$253,587	$390,000
Associate Professor	17	$91,233	$125,000	$185,000
Visiting Lecturer	16	$42,931	$88,122	$219,440
Clinical Trainee Resident	16	$47,000	$51,000	$69,430
Senior Lecturer	15	$67,300	$85,696	$165,000
Extension Associate	14	$60,000	$75,000	$88,872
Senior Research Associate	13	$78,500	$91,980	$200,000
Assistant Research Professor	12	$51,104	$97,138	$116,981
Visiting Assistant Professor	9	$72,925	$119,163	$225,000
Instructor	6	$52,210	$62,764	$115,000
Resident	5	$35,700	$36,700	$56,222
Postdoctoral Fellow	4	$50,490	$53,500	$80,000
Adjunct Professor	4	$239,928	$769,163	$845,000
Senior Extension Associate	4	$86,569	$113,145	$130,000
Visiting Critic	4	$68,890	$131,267	$184,891
Visiting Scientist	4	$50,170	$51,122	$82,472

Location	Positions	Min	Median	Max
Ithaca, New York	1,093	$34,900	$74,000	$845,000
New York, New York	31	$60,000	$115,400	$225,000
Geneva, New York	9	$47,923	$50,375	$113,000
New York City, New York	2	$81,120	$81,609	$82,098
Port Orange, Florida	1	$69,868	$69,868	$69,868
Elmont, New York	1	$69,430	$69,430	$69,430

Cornell University — H-1B Sponsored Salaries

Cornell University H1B Salaries

Salary Distribution (2025)

Salary by Job Title (2025)

Salary by Location (2025)

Similar Visa Sponsors

Weill Cornell Medicine

University of Illinois Chicago

New York University

Indiana University Indianapolis

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

University of California, Berkeley

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to modernize your immigration program?

Ready to modernize your immigration program?