What Is an LCA and Why Does Its Wage Data Matter?
A Labor Condition Application (LCA) is a required filing with the Department of Labor (DOL) before every H-1B petition. It certifies the employer will pay the worker at least the prevailing wage for the role in that geographic area.
Because all LCA data is publicly disclosed by DOL, it provides one of the most comprehensive public windows into H-1B compensation — by employer, job title, location, and wage level.
⚠️ Educational notice: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
2026 LCA Wage Trends: The Big Picture
| Metric | FY2025 Value | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Median LCA offered wage (all) | $119,000 | +6.2% |
| Median wage (tech / FAANG) | $246,000 | +8.1% |
| Median wage (IT consulting) | $94,000 | +2.8% |
| Median wage (healthcare) | $128,000 | +5.4% |
| % of LCAs at Wage Level I | 28% | -3 pts |
| % of LCAs at Wage Level III+ | 36% | +3 pts |
Source: DOL OFLC Performance Data, FY2025
How the 4 Wage Levels Work
The DOL assigns one of four wage levels to each LCA based on the employer's description of the role:
| Level | Description | Who It Typically Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (25th pct) | Entry-level; requires direction | New grad, 0–2 yrs experience |
| Level II (median) | Qualified professional | 2–5 yrs experience |
| Level III (75th pct) | Experienced; independent judgment | 5–10 yrs experience |
| Level IV (90th pct) | Fully competent; may lead others | 10+ yrs or management |
The prevailing wage is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, updated annually.
City-Level Wage Signals for Software Engineers (SOC 15-1252)
| Metro Area | DOL Prevailing Wage (Level II) | LCA Median Offered | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose–Sunnyvale, CA | $178,000 | $241,000 | +$63K |
| San Francisco–Oakland, CA | $171,000 | $228,000 | +$57K |
| Seattle–Bellevue, WA | $158,000 | $204,000 | +$46K |
| New York–Newark, NY | $147,000 | $196,000 | +$49K |
| Austin–Round Rock, TX | $132,000 | $168,000 | +$36K |
| Chicago–Naperville, IL | $128,000 | $151,000 | +$23K |
| Raleigh–Durham, NC | $119,000 | $138,000 | +$19K |
| Phoenix–Scottsdale, AZ | $112,000 | $124,000 | +$12K |
The gap between the DOL prevailing wage and actual LCA-offered wages is widest at major tech hubs, reflecting market premium. Staffing and consulting companies more commonly offer wages closer to the DOL floor.
The Level I Tension: Why Low-Wage LCAs Are Increasingly Risky
USCIS has increasingly challenged H-1B petitions where:
- The LCA lists Level I (entry-level) wages, yet
- The job description claims the role requires specialized expertise (a specialty occupation)
The logic: if the role is truly specialized, it cannot simultaneously be entry-level. USCIS RFE rates for Level I petitions are running approximately 48% in 2025, versus ~18% for Level III.
How to Use LCA Data for Salary Benchmarking
- Check the DOL FLC Data Center — search by SOC code and metro area for the current prevailing wage
- Review employer-specific LCA data on the Work Visa Insights platform — compare what the company actually pays versus the DOL floor
- Use Levels.fyi and Glassdoor as market-rate cross-references for tech roles
- Ask for Level II at minimum if you have more than 2 years of experience in the specific specialty