Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Stanford University pays a median H-1B salary of $80,018 for sponsored positions, with an average of $94,834. The average prevailing wage across Stanford University's filings is $70,517. 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 Stanford University pay compared to the prevailing wage?

Accepted Answer

Stanford University's average offered wage is $94,834, compared to an average prevailing wage of $70,517 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 Research Affiliate	438	$39,645	$73,669	$114,738
Basic Life Research Scientist	329	$47,507	$78,000	$125,882
Instructor	110	$53,206	$90,000	$183,361
Physical Science Research Scientist	93	$47,507	$80,850	$124,200
Life Science Research Professional 2	62	$51,293	$80,000	$94,547
Research Engineer	61	$56,659	$111,000	$170,839
Assistant Professor	51	$67,480	$147,196	$426,000
Life Science Research Professional 1	48	$48,859	$65,000	$80,891
Postdoc Res Affiliate	39	$51,060	$62,700	$82,269
Clinical Assistant Professor	30	$109,437	$218,000	$432,000
Research Associate	30	$58,000	$78,853	$114,000
Staff Engineer 2	29	$92,488	$116,000	$130,000
Postdoc Research Affiliate	29	$48,727	$64,268	$75,143
Basic Life Res Scientist	28	$55,212	$66,500	$87,360
Clinical Instructor	26	$93,137	$130,910	$226,000
Research Data Analyst 1	25	$45,718	$75,000	$108,940
Staff Engineer 3	25	$110,700	$140,000	$155,738
Software Developer 2	23	$75,900	$145,000	$183,168
Biostatistician 2	20	$81,466	$99,000	$123,594
Life Science Research Professional 3	19	$47,507	$100,589	$121,025

Location	Positions	Min	Median	Max
Stanford, California	1,551	$39,333	$78,686	$540,712
Palo Alto, California	289	$50,000	$81,003	$329,000
Menlo Park, California	213	$58,000	$105,293	$200,000
Redwood City, California	35	$47,570	$150,000	$177,043
Pacific Grove, California	4	$39,645	$63,930	$133,900
San Jose, California	3	$86,162	$143,000	$222,200
San Ramon, California	3	$145,000	$162,602	$170,732
Union City, California	3	$127,500	$157,076	$183,168
Novi, Michigan	2	$71,070	$72,136	$73,202
Newark, Delaware	2	$105,000	$105,000	$105,000

Stanford University — H-1B Sponsored Salaries

Stanford University H1B Salaries

Salary Distribution (2025)

Salary by Job Title (2025)

Salary by Location (2025)

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