DOL proposes higher prevailing wage levels for H-1B and PERM

Proposed, not finalSources checked 28 Oct 2026

The Labor Department proposed raising the four prevailing wage levels used for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3 and PERM: Level I from the 17th to the 34th percentile, Level II to the 52nd, Level III to the 70th and Level IV to the 88th. It is not final.

Who it affects

H-1B, H-1B1, E-3 and green card (PERM) sponsoring employers

What the official source says

“The Department proposes to increase the prevailing wage floors for Wage Level I from the 17th percentile to the 34th percentile, for Wage Level II from the 34th to the 52nd, for Wage Level III from the 50th to the 70th, and for Wage Level IV from the 67th to the 88th”

Federal Register: Improving Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Foreign Nationals in the United States (proposed rule, 2026-06017) federalregister.gov, checked 28 Oct 2026

Quotes are copied from the official pages on the dates shown. This page is a summary, not legal advice: rules can change, so check the source before you act.

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