California H-1B Visa Salary Data

California is a significant destination for H-1B visa sponsored workers in the United States, with approximately 15,342 H-1B labor condition applications filed across the state. The average H-1B salary in California is $173,000, which should be considered in the context of the state's cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100).

The state's major employment centers for H-1B workers include San Francisco, Sunnyvale, San Jose, where the concentration of technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and professional services firms creates strong demand for international talent. California's very high cost of living affects the purchasing power of H-1B salaries, with housing typically being the largest expense category.

California's H-1B job market is shaped by the state's dominant industries and major employers. Companies filing the most H-1B petitions in the state include Apple, Meta Platforms, Google, among others. The state's universities and research institutions also contribute to the H-1B ecosystem, both as employers and as pipelines for H-1B talent through their graduate programs.

California has a very high cost of living compared to the national average. This means that the average H-1B salary of $173,000 in California provides less purchasing power compared to the same salary in an average-cost state. When evaluating job offers, it is important to consider how far your salary stretches in the local economy.

Housing costs are typically the biggest differentiator in cost of living between states. In high-cost states like California and New York, housing can consume 40-50% of an H-1B worker's gross salary. In more affordable states, the same salary provides significantly more comfortable living, though job opportunities may be fewer and companies may adjust compensation accordingly.