National Prevailing Wage Thresholds — Software Developers (SOC 15-1252)
Annual equivalents. Source: OFLC Prevailing Wage Data. Last updated 2026-05-02.
Real LCA Filing Stats
Wage Level Distribution (Real Filings)
Based on 2,314 filings with wage level data.
Top States for Software Developers H-1B Filings
| State | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| TX | $131,318 | 420 |
| CA | $169,182 | 408 |
| GA | $123,875 | 171 |
| OH | $101,002 | 170 |
| MI | $134,122 | 170 |
| VA | $133,366 | 132 |
| NC | $124,198 | 123 |
| MD | $120,773 | 119 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Developers
| Employer | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| General Motors | $156,903 | 146 |
| Strategic Systems, Inc. | $88,602 | 113 |
| IQVIA Inc. | $137,319 | 94 |
| Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO) | $139,285 | 74 |
| OSS, Inc. | $92,879 | 69 |
| NCR Voyix Corporation | $118,982 | 69 |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation | $134,404 | 65 |
| JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. | $154,884 | 64 |
Wage Trend by Year
| Year | Avg Wage | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $104,075 | 8 |
| 2022 | $132,130 | 291 |
| 2023 | $117,810 | 591 |
| 2024 | $139,572 | 882 |
| 2025 | $142,028 | 653 |
| 2026 | $153,587 | 100 |
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 Software Developers
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 ($74,422/yr nationally): Position requires only basic understanding of the occupation. Assignments are routine, closely supervised, with limited latitude for judgment.
- Level II – Qualified ($94,328/yr nationally): Some judgment and independent decision-making required. Duties are more complex but still within prescribed parameters.
- Level III – Experienced ($114,857/yr nationally): Significant judgment, evaluation, and independent action. May supervise others. Complex tasks requiring experience-based expertise.
- Level IV – Fully Competent ($135,096/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 2,525 certified LCA filings for Software Developers, the median wage is $132,895 — 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.