National Prevailing Wage Thresholds — Operations Research Analysts (SOC 15-2031)
Annual equivalents. Source: OFLC Prevailing Wage Data. Last updated 2026-05-02.
Real LCA Filing Stats
Wage Level Distribution (Real Filings)
Based on 345 filings with wage level data.
Top States for Operations Research Analysts H-1B Filings
| State | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| CA | $130,373 | 84 |
| NY | $138,014 | 53 |
| PA | $121,325 | 28 |
| TX | $109,414 | 26 |
| WA | $124,534 | 24 |
| GA | $105,154 | 21 |
| MA | $118,565 | 20 |
| NC | $116,707 | 17 |
Top H-1B Employers for Operations Research Analysts
| Employer | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| IQVIA Inc. | $126,603 | 149 |
| Amazon.com Services LLC | $100,757 | 13 |
| ZS Associates, Inc. | $178,517 | 12 |
| TriNet USA, Inc. | $142,705 | 10 |
| IQVIA RDS Inc. | $125,657 | 8 |
| Meta Platforms, Inc. | $152,899 | 8 |
| JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. | $126,287 | 8 |
| Trident Seafoods Corporation | $152,204 | 7 |
Wage Trend by Year
| Year | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $88,027 | 11 |
| 2021 | $121,067 | 31 |
| 2022 | $109,726 | 24 |
| 2023 | $128,815 | 54 |
| 2024 | $126,091 | 142 |
| 2025 | $122,223 | 81 |
| 2026 | $140,000 | 4 |
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 Operations Research Analysts
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 ($58,822/yr nationally): Position requires only basic understanding of the occupation. Assignments are routine, closely supervised, with limited latitude for judgment.
- Level II – Qualified ($73,819/yr nationally): Some judgment and independent decision-making required. Duties are more complex but still within prescribed parameters.
- Level III – Experienced ($88,816/yr nationally): Significant judgment, evaluation, and independent action. May supervise others. Complex tasks requiring experience-based expertise.
- Level IV – Fully Competent ($104,228/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 347 certified LCA filings for Operations Research Analysts, the median wage is $120,000 — 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.