he U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) both use four distinct wage levels for various filings, such as those associated with the H-1B visa program. These levels reflect the complexity of job duties, the level of judgment required, the amount and type of supervision received, and the minimum education and experience requirements. Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation of each wage level:
- Level I (Entry Level): This wage level is assigned to positions that require a basic understanding of the duties and perform routine tasks that need limited, if any, exercise of judgment. The roles are typically meant for employees who have just entered the job market or are recent graduates, and these positions often require close supervision.
- Level II (Qualified): This level is for positions that require a good understanding of the job and the ability to perform moderately complex tasks. Such employees may still receive oversight, but they can also work independently. This level is suitable for employees who have gained a certain amount of experience and can demonstrate a higher level of proficiency and understanding compared to Level I.
- Level III (Experienced): This wage level is for jobs requiring a solid understanding of the industry or field, capable of performing complex tasks independently. These employees have a deeper understanding of the job and can exercise judgment and make decisions. They require less supervision and often have several years of experience or higher qualifications.
- Level IV (Fully Competent): This is the highest wage level, applicable to employees who have a high level of expertise and are capable of performing advanced tasks and managing others. These roles often require specialized knowledge and the ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and innovation. Typically, these positions are filled by seasoned professionals who are recognized as experts in their fields.
These wage levels help ensure that workers are paid fairly based on their job duties and qualifications and are a standard component of processes like H-1B and PERM-related (aka Labor Certification) visa salary determinations.
Last Revision: 2024-10-4