Every employer that files for an H-1B worker must submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the U.S. Department of Labor disclosing the job title, worksite, and wage offered. The Salary Explorer searches those public filings, so you can benchmark a specific role at a specific company against real, certified wage data instead of self-reported estimates.
- What you can search: By employer name, job title keywords, SOC code, state, wage level, and filing date range. Results show individual filings and aggregate wage distributions.
- Common use cases: Evaluating a job offer against what the same employer has historically paid, researching typical wages for a target role, preparing for salary negotiations, and understanding prevailing wage level differences.
- What to keep in mind: LCA wages reflect the rate the employer agreed to pay at the time of filing. They may not include bonuses, equity, or later raises, and the filing itself is not proof of H-1B approval.
Data sourced from DOL OFLC H-1B LCA disclosure files (flag.dol.gov). Updated quarterly.
Data from the DOL OFLC Performance Data. All LCA data is public record under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Understanding LCA Salary Data
Labor Condition Applications are filed by employers before hiring foreign workers on H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visas. Every filing is public record.
What is an LCA?
Before hiring a foreign worker, employers must file an LCA with the Department of Labor certifying they will pay at least the prevailing wage. These filings contain the job title, salary offered, and work location.
Prevailing Wage Levels
DOL assigns four wage levels. Level 1 is entry-level, Level 4 is fully competent. Most H-1B filings are Level 1 or 2. The wage level affects the salary floor the employer must meet.
Filing vs Approval
An LCA filing does not mean the position was filled or the visa was approved. It means the employer submitted paperwork to DOL. Some filings are withdrawn, denied, or never used.
Location Matters
Prevailing wages vary significantly by metro area. The same job title can have a 40-60% salary difference between San Francisco and a rural area. Always compare within the same region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Data sourced from DOL OFLC quarterly disclosure files (dol.gov). All LCA data is public record under the Immigration and Nationality Act.