2021 H-1B Visa Salary Data

The year 2021 saw a strong recovery in H-1B visa filings as the U.S. economy rebounded from the pandemic. Pent-up demand for talent, combined with the Great Resignation that saw many American workers leaving their positions, created intense competition for skilled workers. Employers turned to H-1B sponsorship in increasing numbers to fill critical talent gaps, particularly in technology, healthcare, and professional services.

H-1B salary levels in 2021 began to reflect the competitive hiring environment, with notable increases in compensation for technology roles. The shift to remote and hybrid work models opened new possibilities for H-1B placement, with some workers being sponsored for positions in lower-cost locations while working remotely for companies headquartered in high-cost tech hubs.

The Biden administration reversed several Trump-era H-1B restrictions in 2021, restoring confidence in the program's stability. USCIS also began implementing changes to the H-1B lottery process, including a wage-based selection proposal that would have prioritized higher-paying positions (though this was later reconsidered). These policy shifts contributed to increased employer participation in the H-1B program.