SOC 15-1221 · DOL wage year 2026–27 · FY 2028 lottery
Computer and Information Research Scientists H-1B wage levels in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
For the maximum 4 lottery entries, the offered salary must be at least $176,156. Level III starts at $144,082, Level II at $111,988 and Level I at $79,914.
What is the H-1B prevailing wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Austin, TX?
For the 2026–27 wage year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), the U.S. Department of Labor sets four H-1B prevailing wage levels for Computer and Information Research Scientists (SOC 15-1221) in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX wage area: Level I is $79,914 a year, Level II $111,988, Level III $144,082 and Level IV $176,156. Under the weighted H-1B lottery, a registration is entered once per wage level, so an offer of $176,156 or more gets four entries, while an offer from $79,914 up to $111,987 gets one. DHS projects selection odds of about 15%, 31%, 46% and 61% for Levels I to IV. Among 100 major H-1B metros, Austin, TX has the #42 highest Level IV wage for this job, 10% above the median metro ($160,535). The same $111,988 offer that is Level II here reaches Level IV in Indianapolis, IN. These figures apply to the FY 2028 registration in March 2027.
| Wage level | Annual salary at least | Hourly | Lottery entries | DHS projected odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | $79,914 | $38.42 | 1 | 15.29% |
| Level II | $111,988 | $53.84 | 2 | 30.58% |
| Level III | $144,082 | $69.27 | 3 | 45.87% |
| Level IV | $176,156 | $84.69 | 4 | 61.16% |
Salary ladder
Where each level starts in Austin, TX
Thresholds here are above the major-metro median, so you need a bigger salary for the same number of entries.
Where a $111,988 offer lands
That's Level II here. For the same job, it reaches a higher level in these major metros.
Other Texas metros
Frequently asked
What salary gets 4 H-1B lottery entries for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Austin, TX?
At least $176,156 a year ($84.69/hour), the DOL OEWS Level IV wage for SOC 15-1221 in this area for 2026–27.
Which counties does this wage area cover?
Bastrop County, TX; Caldwell County, TX; Hays County, TX; Travis County, TX; Williamson County, TX.
Do these numbers apply to the March 2027 registration?
Yes. The FY 2028 registration in March 2027 uses the wage year in effect then, July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Computer and Information Research Scientists wages in all 530 areas · All occupations in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Learn more: How to legitimately raise your wage level · Lottery level vs. LCA level · FY 2028 registration
Annual salary in U.S. dollars, rounded up. Source: DOL OFLC prevailing wage data, effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, computed directly from the DOL file (methodology). Page updated 2026-10-14.