H-1B Visas: Which Channel Companies Are Paying The Most (And The Least)?

The Bigger They Are, The Less They Pay

Although the median salary offered by solution providers and distributors to H-1B skilled worker visa applicants in 2014 was $88,468, companies that are the highest users of the H-1B visa program tend to pay less than occasional users of the program, according to CRN analysis.

Eight of the 11 biggest users of the H-1B program offered average wages of less than $74,000 and none paid more than $90,000. Conversely, 11 of the 13 firms averaging more than $97,000 in visa holder salaries put in less than 100 H-1B applications last year.

Channel firms paying median salaries of above $88,000 use the H-1B program primarily to bring in software engineers, while those paying median salaries of below $74,000 ask most of their H-1B visa holders to work as computer systems analysts, computer programmers or computer lab technicians.

1. Presidio

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $135,800

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $26,000 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Information Security Analyst (four applications)

Presidio has offered its H-1B applicants average pay of at least $100,000 every year since 2011, with median salaries topping out at $136,700 in 2013. This year, though, may break that trend, since the median salary thus far is only $97,337.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Greenbelt, Md.-based company, No. 21 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, ranged from a high of $160,000 for computer systems analysts (one application) to a low of $105,000 for computer systems administrators (three applications), with information security analysts coming in at $147,900.

Prevailing wage data is based on professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Massachusetts and Maryland as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

2. Arrow Electronics

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $113,000

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $13,800 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (38 applications)

Arrow Electronics has paid its H-1B applicants a median salary of above $100,000 every year since 2011, with average wages topping out at $113,000 in 2013 and 2014. This year could top that, with the median salary thus far coming in at $114,200.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Centennial, Colo.-based distributor ranged from a high of $114,700 for software engineers to a low of $60,000 for computer programmers (three applications).

Prevailing wage data is based on manufacturing companies located in Colorado and New York as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

3. Slalom Consulting

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $110,300

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $4,200 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (43 applications)

Median Salaries for H-1B applications at Slalom Consulting have climbed steadily from $80,000 in 2010, peaking at $110,300 last year. That figure has dropped in the first half of 2015, though, to $102,000.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Seattle-based company, No. 48 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, ranged from a high of $118,000 for management analysts (12 applications) to a low of $92,500 for computer lab technicians (10 applications), with software engineers coming in at $114,000.

Prevailing wage data is based on professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Washington state as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

4. PCM (plus En Pointe)

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $107,200

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $15,500 Higher

Most Popular Occupations: Network Engineers, Computer and IT Managers (three applications each)

EnPointe's 2014 median salary of $107,000 for H-1B applications was far higher than previous years, while last year was the first time PCM applied for H-1B positions. The average H-1B wage in 2015 has fallen to $100,000.

H-1B salaries range from a high of $175,000 for the computer and IT manager positions to a low of $65,000 for business operations specialist and operations research analyst positions. En Pointe, No. 42 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, was acquired by El Segundo, Calif.-based PCM, No. 29 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, in March 2015.

Prevailing wage data is based on professional, scientific, technical and retail trade companies located in California as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

5 (tie). Virtusa

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $105,000

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $11,700 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (183 applications)

Virtusa has offered its H-1B applicants a median salary of at least $90,000 every year since 2009, with average wages hitting a high of $105,000 last year. This year, though, may break that pattern, with median salaries thus far only at $85,000.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Westborough, Mass.-based company, No. 54 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, ranged from a high of $116,000 for computer and IT managers (41 applications) to a low of $73,500 for computer systems analysts (10 applications), with software engineers coming in at $100,000.

Prevailing wage data is based on professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Massachusetts as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

5 (tie). Ingram Micro

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $105,000

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $17,600 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Operations Research Analysts (five applications)

Median salaries for H-1B applicants at Ingram Micro have fallen from a high of $123,600 in 2011. This year could represent another pay dip, with average wages coming in at just $92,350 thus far.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Santa Ana, Calif.-based distributor ranged from a high of $115,963 for operations research analysts to a low of $85,500 for industrial engineers (one application).

Prevailing wage data is based on professional, scientific and technical services companies located in California as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

7. TeleCommunication Systems

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $103,700

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $7,700 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (16 applications)

Median salaries for H-1B applicants at TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) have been above $95,000 every year since 2011, peaking at $103,700 last year. Average wages have dipped slightly in the first half of 2015 to $99,800.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Annapolis, Md.-based company, No. 65 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, range from a high of $128,700 for systems software engineers (one application) to a low of $97,300 for computer lab technicians (11 applications), with software engineers coming in at $103,900.

Prevailing wage data is based on information companies located in Maryland as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

8. Avnet

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $101,000

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $18,200 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (113 applications)

Average wages for H-1B applicants at Avnet have been above $90,000 every year since 2010, hitting a high of $115,000 in 2012. Median salaries have held steady at $101,000 so far in 2015.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Phoenix-based distributor range from a high of $122,000 for systems software engineers (five applications) to $72,000 for computer occupations (three applications), with software engineers coming in at $98,700.

Prevailing wage data is based on professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Arizona as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

9. Systemax

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $100,000

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $22,900 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Web Designers (six applications)

Median H-1B applicant salaries at Systemax have climbed from $92,000 in 2009, peaking at $100,000 last year. The Port Washington, N.Y.-based company, No. 17 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, hasn't submitted any H-1B applications this year.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for Systemax range from a high of $160,000 for network engineers to a low of $75,000 for two software engineer positions.

Prevailing wage data is based on other retail trade companies in New York as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

10. CompuCom

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $99,600

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $3,100 Higher

Most Popular Occupations: Computer System Administrators and Software Engineers (three applications each)

Median H-1B application salaries at CompuCom have been climbing ever since bottoming out at $71,000 in 2012, and are on pace to obliterate that figure in 2015 with an average salary thus far of $186,700.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries at the Dallas-based company, No. 23 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, range from a high of $115,500 for one computer and IT manager application to a low of $92,600 for computer system administrators, with software engineers coming in at $100,000.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Texas as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

11. Avanade

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $98,600

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $6,400 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Systems Analysts (12 applications)

Avanade has paid its H-1B applicants a median salary of between $90,000 and $105,000 every year since 2011, hitting a high of $102,000 in 2013. This year is on pace to eclipse that, with average wages thus far at $117,000.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries at the Seattle-based company, No. 23 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, range from a high of $155,000 for lawyers (two applications) to a low of $95,900 for computer lab technicians (two applications), with computer systems analysts coming in at $98,600.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Washington state as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

12. Computer Task Group

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $97,300

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $23,900 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (13 applications)

Computer Task Group (CTG) has paid its H-1B applicants a median salary of between $85,000 and $100,000 every year since 2010, peaking at $100,000 in 2013. Average H-1B wages are down in the first half of 2015 to $87,600.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries at the Buffalo, N.Y.-based company, No. 63 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, range from a high of $119,400 for computer occupations (two applications) to a low of $76,100 for computer lab technicians (four applications), with software engineers coming in at $100,000.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in New York state as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

13. Digital Intelligence Systems

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $97,000

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $2,430 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (16 applications)

Median H-1B salaries for Digital Intelligence Systems have bounced around in recent years, hitting a high of $108,900 in 2012 and a low of $83,700 in 2013. This year is shaping up to be weaker than last, with average wages at $85,000 thus far.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries at the McLean, Va.-based company, No. 61 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, range from a high of $114,600 for computer and IT managers (two applications) to a low of $56,640 for accountants and auditors (four applications), with software engineers coming in at $108,800.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific, and technical services companies located in Virginia as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

14. Perficient

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $93,200

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $10,900 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (105 applications)

Median H-1B salaries at Perficient have been climbing from a low of $69,900 in 2011, reaching a peak of $93,200 this year. This year doesn't look to be as promising, with average wages coming in at just $85,000 so far.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries at the St. Louis-based company, No. 56 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, range from a high of $115,000 for computer lab technicians (42 applications) to a low of $73,900 for computer programmers (27 applications), with software engineers making $100,000 on average.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Missouri as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

15. HP Enterprise Services

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $92,900

Compared To Prevailing Wage: Equal

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Systems Analysts (77 applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at HP Enterprise Services has been steadily climbing from $80,800 in 2010, hitting a high of $92,900 last year. 2015 is on pace to exceed that, with average wages at $94,000 in the first half of the year.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Palo Alto, Calif.-based subsidiary, No. 3 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, range from a high of $97,000 for computer systems analysts to a low of $83,000 for software engineers (27 applications).

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in California as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

16-25. Middle of the Pack

Ten of the 40 channel firms with at least five H-1B applications in 2014 paid a median salary of between $82,000 and $91,000, placing them in the middle of the bunch.

Large solution providers paying industry-average H-1B salaries include Capgemini, No. 5 on the 2015 CRN Solution Provider 500, at $83,000; Dimension Data, No. 10 on the SP 500, at $85,100; Deloitte, No. 18 on the SP 500, at $90,000; Ciber, No. 37 on the SP 500, at $88,000; and EPAM Systems, No. 40 on the SP 500, at $85,000.

Smaller solution providers include Tyler Technologies, No. 51 on the SP 500, at $83,700; Internap, No. 67 on the SP 500, at $88,900; and OneNeck IT Solutions, No. 81 on the SP 500, at $90,800.

Distribution giants Synnex and Tech Data also fall in the middle, paying $86,500 and $82,000, respectively.

26. Insight Enterprises

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $80,700

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $500 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Web Designers (five applications)

Pay for H-1B visa applicants at Insight Enterprises has varied markedly over the years, eclipsing $80,000 in 2013 and 2014. That might not hold true this year, though, with median salaries thus far coming in at $76,500.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Tempe, Ariz.-based company, No. 13 on the 2015 CRN SP 500, varied from a high of $96,300 for a computer systems analyst to a low of $70,000 for a financial analyst.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Arizona as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

27. World Wide Technology

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $80,400

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $200 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (13 applications)

Pay for H-1B visa applicants at World Wide Technology (WWT) has fallen from a high of $100,300 in 2012, bottoming out at $80,400 in 2014. Median salaries look to be rosier this year, with the figure so far at $93,900.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the St. Louis-based company, No. 11 on the 2015 CRN SP 500, varied from a high of $130,000 for a computer systems administrator (one application) to a low of $52,000 for instructional coordinators (three applications), with software engineers coming in at $89,000.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Missouri as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

28. Advizex Technologies

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $80,200

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $7,100 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Web Designers (three applications)

Pay for H-1B visa applicants at Advisex Technologies has held steady since 2012 between $80,000 and $85,000 after peaking at $106,000 in 2011.

The Independence, Ohio-based company, No. 96 on the 2015 CRN SP 500, has not submitted any H-1B applications so far in 2015. Median 2014 H-1B salaries for Advisex Technologies range from a high of $90,900 for a computer systems analyst to a low of $72,000 for a computer programmer.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Ohio as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

29. Infinite Computer Solutions

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $76,500

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $2,400 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Software Engineers (24 applications)

Infinite Computer Solutions has offered H-1B applicants a median salary of between $74,000 and $84,000 every year since 2009. This year looks to repeat that trend, with average H-1B applicant wages thus far at $78,400.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Arlington Heights, Ill.-based company, No. 76 on the 2015 CRN SP 500, range from a high of $86,400 for computer systems administrators (one application) to a low of $74,000 for software engineers and computer systems analysts (five applications).

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Maryland as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

30. CGI

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $73,300

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $300 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Programmers (152 applications)

CGI has offered H-1B applicants a median salary of between $69,000 and $84,000 every year since 2009. This year is shaping up to come in toward the lower end of that range, with median salaries thus far at $70,100.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Montreal, Quebec-based company range from a high of $88,500 for software engineers (83 applications) to a low of $65,400 for computer programmers.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Virginia as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

31. Unisys

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $72,500

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $10,100 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Lab Technicians (eight applications)

Median salaries for H-1B applicants at Unisys have been gradually climbing since bottoming out at $62,300 in 2012. That trend looks to continue into 2015, with average H-1B wages so far this year at a much more generous $81,500.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Blue Bell, Pa.-based company range from a high of $90,000 for services sales reps (one application) to a low of $65,000 for computer programmers (five applications), with computer lab technicians coming in at $69,500.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Pennsylvania as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

32. Infosys

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $72,300

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $8,600 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Systems Analysts (15,614 applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at Infosys has climbed slightly from $67,200 in 2011, leveling out at $72,300 in 2014. So far in 2015, median H-1B salaries are equivalent to what Infosys paid last year.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for Infosys, which has its U.S. headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., range from a high of $125,000 for management analysts (384 applications) to a low of $62,600 for computer programmers (3,251 applications), with computer systems analysts coming in at $73,500.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Texas as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

33. SS&C Technologies

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $72,000

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $8,900 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (six applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at SS&C Technologies fell last year after climbing from $60,000 in 2011 to $80,000 in 2013. Average wages for H-1B applicants are much higher in the first half of 2015, coming in at $88,000.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Windsor, Conn.-based company, No. 38 on the 2015 CRN SP 500, range from a high of $95,900 for software engineers (two applications) to a low of $50,000 for financial specialists (two applications), with accountants and auditors coming in at $65,900.

Prevailing wage data is based on other information companies located in Connecticut as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

34. Accenture

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $71,600

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $54 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Programmers (1,899 applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at Accenture ticked up slightly in 2014 after falling between $67,000 and $70,000 every year between 2011 and 2013. Average wages are somewhat higher so far this year, coming in at $74,000.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for Accenture, No. 2 on the 2015 CRN SP 500, range from a high of $79,300 for computer systems analysts (1,484 applications) to a low of $66,700 for computer programmers.

Prevailing wage data for the solution provider, which has its U.S. headquarters in Chicago, is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Illinois as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

35. Wipro

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $68,100

Compared To Prevailing Wage: Equal

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Lab Technicians (4,714 applications)

Wipro has paid its H-1B applicants a median salary of between $65,000 and $69,000 every year since 2010. This year looks to continue that pattern for Wipro, which has its U.S. headquarters in Boston, with average wages in the first half of 2015 coming in at $67,200.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for Wipro, No. 21 on the 2013 CRN SP 500, range from a high of $74,300 for computer systems analysts (587 applications) to a low of $65,600 for computer systems administrators (678 applications), with computer lab technicians coming in at $68,600.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in New Jersey as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

36 (tie). Rolta International

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $67,600

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $7,600 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Programmers (18 applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at Rolta International has varied considerably over the years, from a high of $80,200 in 2013 to a low of $57,000 in 2012. Average wages for this year look more promising so far, coming in at $80,000.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Alpharetta, Ga.-based company, No. 52 on the CRN SP 500, range from a high of $125,500 for software engineers (one application) to a low of $55,000 for computer systems analysts (eight applications), with computer programmers coming in at $64,200.

Prevailing wage data is based on other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Georgia as reported to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

36 (tie). Cognizant

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $67,600

Compared To Prevailing Wage: Equal

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Systems Analysts (2,223 applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at Cognizant has climbed slightly from $62,700 in 2010, peaking at $67,600 last year. The salary outlook looks rosier this year, with average H-1B wages thus far coming in at $72,200.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for the Teaneck, N.J.-based company, No. 8 on the CRN SP 500, range from a high of $74,200 for management analysts (68 applications) to a low of $61,600 for computer systems administrators (16 applications), with computer systems analysts coming in at $67,800.

Prevailing wage data is based off other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Texas.

38. Tata Consultancy Services

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $66,600

Compared To Prevailing Wage: $6,400 Higher

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Programmers (6,007 applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at Tata Consultancy Services has risen very gradually from a starting point of $62,700 in 2009. This year looks to continue the trend of small increases, with average H-1B wages thus far coming in at $67,500.

Median 2014 H-1B salaries for Tata, which has its U.S. headquarters in New York, range from a high of $69,600 for computer lab technicians (3,856 applications) to a low of $65,500 for web designers (2,816 applications), with computer programmers coming in at $66,100.

Prevailing wage data is based off other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in New York.

39. CSC

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $61,100

Compared To Prevailing Wage: Equal

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Systems Analysts (179 applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at CSC has fallen from a high of $82,100 in 2010. This year looks to be relatively on par with last, with average H-1B wages up marginally to $61,200.

Median H-1B salaries for the Falls Church, Va.-based company, No. 5 on the CRN SP 500, range from a high of $72,200 for software engineers (20 applications) to a low of $55,500 for database administrators (3 applications), with computer systems analysts coming in at $60,400.

Prevailing wage data is based off other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Virginia.

40. Syntel

Median Salary Offered To H-1B Applicants In 2014: $59,900

Compared To Prevailing Wage: Equal

Most Popular Occupation: Computer Systems Analysts (330 applications)

Pay for H-1B applicants at Syntel has fallen markedly after peaking at $82,100 in 2012. Average H-1B wages look to rebound slightly this year, coming in for the first half of 2015 at $66,500.

Median H-1B salaries for the Troy, Mich.-based company, No. 36 on the CRN SP 500, range from a high of $83,700 for computer & IT managers (167 applications) to a low of $25,900 for human resources assistants (1 application), with computer systems analysts coming in at $57,800.

Prevailing wage data is based off other professional, scientific and technical services companies located in Michigan.