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 20, 2010, and fiscal years 2015, 2017, and 2018
| Wage level | Wage percentile by occupation/region | Description of wage level | June 1, 2009, to July 30, 2010 | Fiscal 2015 | Fiscal 2017 | Fiscal 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 17th | Entry-level | 54% | 41% | 32% | 16% |
| Level 2 | 34th | Qualified | 29% | 39% | 30% | 47% |
| Level 3 | 50th | Experienced | 11% | 10% | 11% | 19% |
| Level 4 | 67th | Fully competent | 6% | 5% | 6% | 10% |
| Other | N/A | Other wage surveys, including privately financed surveys | N/A | 5% | 21% | 8% |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Note: Table adapted from U.S. Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO; see source). For full descriptions of wage levels from U.S. Department of Labor guidance, see “Prevailing Wage Determination Policy Guidance, Nonagricultural Immigration Programs,” cited in source.
Source: 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, 2019,” at page 58; Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Labor Condition Applications for fiscal years 2015, 2017, and 2018 (Disclosure Data tab), U.S. Department of Labor; Employment and Training Administration, “Prevailing Wage Determination Policy Guidance, Nonagricultural Immigration Programs” (revised November 2009), U.S. Department of Labor
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