Prevailing Wage by Metro

Select an occupation to see DOL OEWS prevailing wage levels across all metro areas. Click any column header to sort.

Select Occupation

Select an occupation above to see prevailing wages by metro area.

About OFLC Wage Levels

The Department of Labor Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) sets four prevailing-wage levels for each occupation and geographic area using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey.

Employers sponsoring H-1B workers must pay at least the prevailing wage for the level that matches the position's duties and requirements. The four levels reflect the skill and experience range within an occupation:

  • Level I (17th percentile): Entry-level positions with routine tasks under close supervision. Workers have limited experience in the occupation.
  • Level II (34th percentile): Qualified workers with limited experience performing moderately complex tasks under general supervision.
  • Level III (50th percentile): Experienced workers performing a full range of tasks with only general guidance. Equivalent to the occupation's median wage.
  • Level IV (67th percentile): Fully competent workers performing specialized or supervisory tasks with significant responsibility and minimal oversight.

Wage levels are updated annually. Figures shown reflect the most recent OEWS data available.