Dallas H-1B Filings Near 10,000 in FY2025, Led by Consulting Giants and Financial Services

Dallas Emerges as Top-Tier H-1B Destination

Dallas recorded 9,845 H-1B visa filings for FY2025, with 9,297 applications certified—a robust 94% approval rate that signals strong employer compliance and genuine labor market needs. This substantial filing volume positions the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex among the nation's most active markets for high-skilled foreign talent.

Salary Landscape Reveals Market Complexity

The average H-1B salary in Dallas reached $335,252, significantly above the national median for skilled positions. However, this figure masks considerable variation in the market. Salaries ranged from a minimum of $18,000 to a maximum of $311,544,480, with the upper extreme likely representing executive compensation packages or data anomalies. For most H-1B workers, the average suggests Dallas employers are competing aggressively for specialized talent, particularly in high-value sectors like finance and technology consulting.

This salary level carries meaningful purchasing power in Dallas, where the cost of living remains moderate compared to traditional tech hubs like San Francisco or New York. Housing costs, while rising, still allow for comfortable lifestyles at these compensation levels, making Dallas an attractive destination for both employers seeking operational efficiency and workers seeking quality of life.

Big Four Consulting and Finance Dominate Filings

The employer landscape reflects Dallas's evolution as a corporate headquarters hub. Deloitte Consulting LLP led all employers with 443 filings, followed closely by Ernst & Young U.S. LLP (430) and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (430). This concentration of professional services firms underscores Dallas's role as a central node for consulting operations serving clients across the South and Southwest regions.

Notably, UT Southwestern Medical Center ranked fourth with 425 filings, highlighting the critical role of academic medical centers in attracting international medical researchers, physicians, and healthcare specialists. Amazon Web Services rounds out the top five with 418 filings, representing the technology infrastructure sector's growing presence in the region.

Industry Concentration in Custom Computer Services

Industry data reveals clear sectoral patterns. NAICS code 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) dominated with 3,479 filings—more than a third of all applications—confirming Dallas's strength in software development and IT services. Investment banking and securities dealing (NAICS 523150) accounted for 608 filings, while management consulting services (NAICS 541611) contributed 548 filings. The presence of colleges and universities (NAICS 611310) with 455 filings reflects the region's substantial higher education and research infrastructure.

This concentration in knowledge-intensive industries positions Dallas favorably for continued economic growth, though it also creates potential vulnerability to tech sector cycles and consulting demand fluctuations. The diverse mix of consulting, finance, healthcare, and technology suggests a more resilient employment base than metros dependent on single industries.