Question 1

What is the median H-1B salary at GiveWell?

Accepted Answer

GiveWell pays a median H-1B salary of $95,459 for sponsored positions, with an average of $97,096. The average prevailing wage across GiveWell's filings is $86,191. 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 GiveWell pay compared to the prevailing wage?

Accepted Answer

GiveWell's average offered wage is $97,096, compared to an average prevailing wage of $86,191 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
Research Analyst	7	$52,083	$72,000	$105,800
Program Associate	2	$90,600	$95,300	$100,000
Senior Research Associate	2	$141,523	$144,812	$148,100
Research Associate	2	$103,002	$109,551	$116,100
Senior Research Analyst	2	$79,000	$103,000	$127,000
Senior Fellow	1	$110,000	$110,000	$110,000
Project Management Specialist	1	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000
Content Editor	1	$90,600	$90,600	$90,600

Location	Positions	Min	Median	Max
San Francisco, California	9	$52,083	$79,000	$127,000
Brooklyn, New York	5	$90,600	$100,000	$105,800
Oakland, California	4	$103,002	$128,812	$148,100

GiveWell — H-1B Sponsored Salaries

GiveWell H1B Salaries

Salary Distribution (2025)

Salary by Job Title (2025)

Salary by Location (2025)

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