2022 H-1B Visa Salary Data

The year 2022 was characterized by record-setting H-1B demand, with USCIS receiving significantly more registrations than available visa slots. The technology sector continued to lead H-1B sponsorship, though a growing number of healthcare, finance, and manufacturing employers also increased their filings. H-1B salary levels continued their upward trend, driven by intense competition for talent and rising wage expectations across the economy.

The tech industry's hiring boom in early 2022, fueled by strong earnings and digital demand, pushed H-1B salaries to new highs, particularly for senior engineering and machine learning roles. Companies competed aggressively for top talent, offering premium compensation packages that included higher base salaries, signing bonuses, and equity grants.

The USCIS transitioned to an electronic registration system that streamlined the H-1B lottery process, though it also revealed the scale of demand with beneficiary-based selection reducing the number of duplicate registrations. The growing gap between H-1B demand and supply highlighted ongoing debates about immigration reform and the need for a more responsive visa system.