Question 1

What is the median H-1B salary at UW-Madison?

Accepted Answer

UW-Madison pays a median H-1B salary of $70,430 for sponsored positions, with an average of $81,511. The average prevailing wage across UW-Madison's filings is $57,762. 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 UW-Madison pay compared to the prevailing wage?

Accepted Answer

UW-Madison's average offered wage is $81,511, compared to an average prevailing wage of $57,762 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
Assistant Professor	514	$51,000	$102,396	$283,250
Research Associate-Postdegree Trainee	232	$47,476	$56,197	$99,000
Scientist I	191	$47,133	$67,626	$108,160
Assistant Scientist	95	$47,500	$62,000	$97,157
Scientist Ii	60	$60,000	$78,551	$108,573
Lecturer	55	$42,410	$60,423	$87,750
Research Specialist	41	$40,000	$48,381	$57,222
Researcher I	40	$50,000	$60,015	$80,000
Research Associate - Postdegree Trainee	26	$47,500	$60,000	$80,784
Clinical Assistant Professor	22	$61,447	$120,000	$169,000
Associate Professor	22	$57,895	$91,362	$324,000
Researcher Ii	20	$60,000	$69,786	$84,132
Scientist Iii	18	$67,115	$94,647	$142,800
Visiting Assistant Professor	18	$56,000	$63,700	$86,190
Assistant Professor (Chs)	15	$60,987	$69,231	$200,000
Associate Research Specialist	13	$32,369	$36,280	$53,295
Teaching Faculty I	13	$58,390	$84,690	$105,000
Research Associate-Post Degree Trainee	12	$47,500	$51,324	$60,000
Assistant Researcher	11	$44,034	$56,767	$75,000
Professor	11	$74,250	$180,000	$249,995

Location	Positions	Min	Median	Max
Madison, Wisconsin	1,352	$32,318	$69,033	$390,000
Milwaukee, Wisconsin	56	$52,010	$84,711	$193,000
La Crosse, Wisconsin	45	$51,030	$67,500	$135,380
Platteville, Wisconsin	36	$48,000	$75,000	$91,980
Menomonie, Wisconsin	35	$47,216	$68,000	$94,000
Green Bay, Wisconsin	32	$52,020	$81,500	$140,000
Eau Claire, Wisconsin	28	$60,000	$98,942	$146,345
River Falls, Wisconsin	20	$60,240	$74,307	$134,159
Kenosha, Wisconsin	14	$56,100	$90,507	$137,904
Superior, Wisconsin	13	$51,000	$93,000	$107,500

UW-Madison — H-1B Sponsored Salaries

UW-Madison H-1B Salary Data

Salary Distribution (2025)

Salary by Job Title (2025)

Salary by Location (2025)

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