National Prevailing Wage Thresholds — Medical Scientists (SOC 19-1042)
Annual equivalents. Source: OFLC Prevailing Wage Data. Last updated 2026-05-02.
Real LCA Filing Stats
Wage Level Distribution (Real Filings)
Based on 194 filings with wage level data.
Top States for Medical Scientists H-1B Filings
| State | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| MI | $62,878 | 132 |
| LA | $58,718 | 13 |
| DC | $69,134 | 12 |
| PA | $117,045 | 5 |
| NC | $76,301 | 4 |
| NV | $67,074 | 4 |
| TX | $58,530 | 4 |
| NJ | $133,750 | 4 |
Top H-1B Employers for Medical Scientists
| Employer | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | $62,878 | 132 |
| Children's National Medical Center | $69,134 | 12 |
| Legend Biotech USA, Inc. | $133,125 | 8 |
| LSU Health Sciences Center - Shreveport | $59,645 | 6 |
| LSU Health Sciences Center | $58,241 | 6 |
| Texas A&M University | $58,530 | 4 |
| University of Nevada, Reno | $67,074 | 4 |
| Benaroya Research Institute | $82,674 | 3 |
Wage Trend by Year
| Year | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $56,848 | 7 |
| 2021 | $59,792 | 19 |
| 2022 | $59,909 | 22 |
| 2023 | $61,449 | 41 |
| 2024 | $63,950 | 38 |
| 2025 | $81,879 | 47 |
| 2026 | $69,573 | 15 |
Calculate Your Exact Wage Level
Enter the specific job requirements — degree, experience, supervision duties — and get the DOL-calculated level with real comparison data.
Open the Interactive CalculatorHow the H-1B Wage Level is Determined for Medical Scientists
Under the Department of Labor's prevailing wage determination process (NPWHC Policy Guidance, November 2009), the wage level for an H-1B petition is not simply based on job title or salary — it's calculated by analyzing the specific requirements of the position. This protects U.S. workers from wage depression and ensures H-1B workers are fairly compensated.
The Four Wage Levels
- Level I – Entry ($63,336/yr nationally): Position requires only basic understanding of the occupation. Assignments are routine, closely supervised, with limited latitude for judgment.
- Level II – Qualified ($81,140/yr nationally): Some judgment and independent decision-making required. Duties are more complex but still within prescribed parameters.
- Level III – Experienced ($98,155/yr nationally): Significant judgment, evaluation, and independent action. May supervise others. Complex tasks requiring experience-based expertise.
- Level IV – Fully Competent ($115,211/yr nationally): Highest level of competence. Uses advanced, specialized knowledge. May direct others. Handles novel or critical situations independently.
DOL Scoring Factors
Starting from a baseline of Level I, points are added based on job requirements:
- Education above bachelor's degree: Master's or J.D. = +1 point; PhD, M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S. = +2 points
- Experience: 2–4 years = +1 point; 5 or more years = +2 points
- Supervisory duties: Any supervision of others = +1 point
- Special requirements: Professional license, foreign language fluency, or additional certification = +1 each, capped at +2 total
Scores map to levels: 0 points = Level I, 1 point = Level II, 2 points = Level III, 3+ points = Level IV.
Why Wage Level Matters for H-1B Approval
USCIS scrutinizes petitions where the offered wage matches a Level I or II designation for a position that appears to require significantly more expertise. A mismatch between job duties and wage level can result in an RFE (Request for Evidence) or denial. Based on 189 certified LCA filings for Medical Scientists, the median wage is $63,000 — use this as a benchmark when evaluating your offer's competitiveness.
Prevailing Wage by Metro Area
The national wage thresholds shown above are baseline figures. Prevailing wages vary significantly by metropolitan area — San Francisco, Seattle, and New York typically run 20–40% above the national average for tech occupations. Use the interactive calculator with your specific metro area for the most accurate threshold.