Most H-1B positions are certified at wage levels below the median wage: Frequency of wage levels reported on approved H-1B Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), June 1, 2009, to July 30, 2010, and fiscal years 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
| Wage level | Percentile of surveyed wages by occupation & region | Description of wage level | June 1, 2009–July 30, 2010 | Fiscal 2015 | Fiscal 2017 | Fiscal 2018 | Fiscal 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17th | Entry-level | 54% | 41% | 32% | 16% | 14% |
| 2 | 34th | Qualified | 29% | 39% | 30% | 47% | 46% |
| 3 | 50th | Experienced | 11% | 10% | 11% | 19% | 19% |
| 4 | 67th | Fully competent | 6% | 5% | 6% | 10% | 12% |
| Other | N/A | Other wage surveys, including privately financed surveys | N/A | 5% | 21% | 8% | 9% |
Notes: Table adapted from U.S. Government Accountability Office table. For full descriptions of wage levels from U.S. Department of Labor guidance, Employment and Training Administration, “Prevailing Wage Determination Policy Guidance, Nonagricultural Immigration Programs” (revised November 2009).
Sources: Authors’ analysis of U.S. Government Accountability Office, H-1B Visa Program: Reforms Are Needed to Minimize the Risks and Costs of Current Program, GAO-11-26, January 2011, “Table 5: Frequency of Wage Levels Reported on Approved LCAs, June 1, 2009–July 30, 2010,” at page 58; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Labor Condition Applications for fiscal years 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 (Disclosure Data tab)
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