If you are planning to file an H-1B visa, transfer your H-1B, negotiate salary, or verify whether your employer is paying the correct amount, understanding H-1B wage levels is essential.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides a free official tool to check H-1B prevailing wage levels by job role, location, and wage level (Level 1–4). This step-by-step guide shows exactly how to use the tool, plus real examples.
What Is an H-1B Wage Level?
H-1B wage levels are salary benchmarks defined by the Department of Labor. Employers must pay at least the prevailing wage for the job role and location when submitting the Labor Condition Application (LCA).
There are four wage levels:
- Level I (Entry Level): basic duties, close supervision
- Level II (Qualified): some experience, moderate complexity
- Level III (Experienced): advanced skills, independent work
- Level IV (Expert): senior specialist, high responsibility
Why Checking Wage Level Matters for H-1B
Knowing your wage level helps you:
- Verify if your salary meets H-1B compliance
- Avoid underpayment risks and potential RFE issues
- Negotiate salary confidently using official data
- Plan job changes, transfers, and location moves
- Understand how city/county wages differ
Official Website to Check H-1B Wage Levels
The official DOL wage tool is here:
https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data/wage-search
Step-by-Step: How to Use the OFLC Wage Search Tool
Step 1: Select the Data Series
Choose the latest available data series (example: 2025–2026). Always use the newest series so you’re not relying on outdated wages.
Step 2: Select a Collection
Select All Industries in most cases. Choose the Higher Education option only if your petition is truly under that category.
Step 3: Enter Your Occupation (SOC/O*NET Code)
Start typing your job title. The tool will suggest matching roles and codes automatically.
Examples:
- Software Developers → 15-1252
- Data Scientists → 15-2051
- Business Analysts (varies) → choose the closest matching SOC based on duties
Step 4: Select Your State
Select the state where the job will be performed (work location), not the company headquarters.
Step 5: Select an Area Type
- County/Township (more precise)
- BLS Areas (metro region)
In most cases, County/Township gives more accurate local wage values.
Step 6: Select Your Area
Pick the county/area where you will work.
Step 7: Submit and View Wage Levels
Click Submit to see a wage table with Level I–IV amounts (hourly and yearly).
How to Read the Results
The results page shows:
- Wage Level (I, II, III, IV)
- Hourly wage
- Yearly wage
These are the official DOL benchmarks that employers commonly use for H-1B prevailing wage and LCA filings.
Example 1: Software Developer in Texas (Sample Walkthrough)
Inputs:
- Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252)
- State: Texas
- Area Type: County/Township
What you’ll see: wage levels from Level I (entry) to Level IV (expert), each with hourly and annual values. Use your experience/responsibility to estimate which wage level fits your case.
Example 2: Same Job, Different Location (Why It Changes)
If you compare the same SOC code in a major metro vs a smaller city, you’ll usually see higher wages in metro areas. That’s why H-1B wage level by location matters for offers, transfers, and negotiations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an old data series
- Selecting the wrong SOC code (choose based on job duties, not just title)
- Picking the wrong county/metro area
- Assuming recruiters are always accurate—verify independently
Final Takeaway
Knowing your official H-1B wage level helps you negotiate smarter and avoid compliance problems. Before accepting an offer or filing an H-1B petition, check your role and location using the official DOL wage search tool.
Quick link: DOL OFLC Wage Search
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