This new data study analyzes federal H-1B employment records to identify which U.S. cities and industries employ the most foreign workers—highlighting where global talent is most concentrated across the U.S. economy. The report covers the top cities and industries driving H-1B employment, with breakdowns of total and per-capita H-1B visa approvals and hires in 2025.

This new data study analyzes federal H-1B employment records to identify which U.S. cities and industries employ the most foreign workers—highlighting where global talent is most concentrated across the U.S. economy. The report covers the top cities and industries driving H-1B employment, with breakdowns of total and per-capita H-1B visa approvals and hires in 2025.

The H-1B visa program is a crucial path for skilled foreign workers in U.S. industries. With the new $100,000 H-1B application fee now in effect for overseas filings—the biggest cost shift in the program’s history—Manifest Law has published a new analysis mapping where H-1B workers earn the highest wages in the U.S. Using newly released Department of Labor certification data, the study ranks U.S. metros by median H-1B wage and includes breakouts by occupation, employer, and state. The rankings reveal which U.S. cities and tech companies pay the most for specialized foreign talent.