H-1B Visa Workers in the U.S.: Average Salary and Key Insights

The H-1B visa program in the United States continues to attract skilled professionals across sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and education. Despite debates over its impact on local employment and visa fees, data shows that H-1B workers receive competitive salaries comparable to their American counterparts.

Average Salary for H-1B Visa Holders

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for H-1B visa holders is approximately $167,533 (around ₹1.52 crore). On an hourly basis, this amounts to roughly $80.54 (₹7,300). The upper range of salaries for top H-1B professionals can reach $216,000 (around ₹1.96 crore) per year, while 25% of H-1B visa holders earn around $141,000 (₹1.28 crore) annually.

Debunking the ‘Low Salary’ Myth

There is a common perception in the U.S. that companies hire H-1B visa holders at lower wages to cut costs. However, the data contradicts this: H-1B professionals earn competitive salaries on par with American workers. In fact, the average annual U.S. salary is around $55,000 (₹55 lakh), making the H-1B package highly lucrative in comparison.

Indian Workers and the H-1B Program

A significant portion of H-1B visa holders are Indian nationals, contributing to sectors ranging from IT and software development to healthcare. The program enables these skilled professionals to work in the U.S. legally while receiving salaries that are both competitive and reflective of their expertise.