FREE TOOL
Based on DOL NPWHC 2009 Guidance
H-1B Prevailing Wage Level Calculator
Determine the correct DOL wage level (I–IV) for any H-1B position. Enter job requirements or an offered salary — we'll show the official threshold and cross-check it against 1.8M+ real LCA filings.
Job Requirements
Additional Requirements
What Are H-1B Wage Levels?
The DOL assigns one of four wage levels to every H-1B position. The level determines both the minimum salary the employer must pay and — starting FY2027 — the worker's odds in the H-1B cap lottery.
| Level | DOL Percentile | Description | FY2027 Lottery Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | 17th | Entry level, routine tasks, close supervision | 1 entry |
| Level II | 34th | Some experience, limited independent judgment | 2 entries |
| Level III | 50th | Significant experience, independent judgment | 3 entries |
| Level IV | 67th | Fully competent, advanced knowledge, may supervise | 4 entries |
How the DOL Calculates Wage Levels
Per the DOL's November 2009 NPWHC Policy Guidance, each job factor above the entry-level norm adds points toward a higher wage level:
| Factor | Condition | Points Added |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master's or professional degree required | +1 |
| Education | Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., or D.D.S. required | +2 |
| Experience | 2–4 years required | +1 |
| Experience | 5+ years required | +2 |
| Supervision | Position supervises other employees | +1 |
| Special requirements | Each of: atypical license, foreign language, special cert | +1 each (max +2) |
Total score: 0 = Level I · 1 = Level II · 2 = Level III · 3 or more = Level IV
Why This Tool Is Different
- Uses the actual DOL methodology — not just salary comparisons
- Cross-references the calculated level against 1.8 million real LCA filings
- Shows what the top employers actually pay for this role in your metro area
- Displays a multi-year wage trend so you can see if wages are rising or falling
- Calculates your FY2027 weighted lottery odds at the determined level