Houston H-1B Filings Approach 10,000 for FY2025, Led by Healthcare and IT Sectors

Healthcare and Technology Drive Houston's H-1B Market

Houston's H-1B visa activity for FY2025 demonstrates the city's position as both a world-class medical hub and growing technology center, with 9,919 total filings and 9,051 certifications—a robust 91% approval rate that exceeds typical national averages.

The city's employer landscape reflects its distinctive economic profile. Baylor College of Medicine led all Houston employers with 306 H-1B filings, followed closely by Ernst & Young U.S. LLP (275 filings) and INFOSYS LIMITED (271 filings). The concentration of medical institutions among top sponsors is particularly striking: The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center submitted 252 applications, while The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston filed 177 petitions. This healthcare dominance distinguishes Houston from peer cities where technology companies typically monopolize H-1B activity.

Salary Dynamics and Market Range

The average salary of $545,271 reflects Houston's competitive positioning for specialized talent, though this figure warrants careful interpretation given the city's diverse H-1B ecosystem. The salary range spans dramatically from $20,571 to $358,822,880, with the maximum figure likely representing data anomalies or specialized compensation structures. Nevertheless, the substantial average suggests strong demand for highly skilled professionals, particularly in specialized medical research, engineering, and IT consulting roles.

Houston's cost of living advantage compared to coastal tech hubs makes these compensation packages particularly attractive. While average H-1B salaries in San Francisco or New York might appear higher in absolute terms, Houston's lack of state income tax and more affordable housing market enhances the real purchasing power of these positions.

Industry Composition

The NAICS code distribution confirms Houston's dual identity. Custom Computer Programming Services (541511) dominated with 2,730 filings, representing approximately 28% of all applications. This reflects the strong presence of IT consulting firms and the digital transformation occurring across Houston's energy and healthcare sectors.

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310) accounted for 973 filings, underscoring the academic medical centers' research intensity and need for international physicians, researchers, and specialized faculty. Engineering Services (541330) contributed 672 filings, while Computer Systems Design Services (541512) added 376 applications, highlighting Houston's continued relevance in technical industries beyond its traditional energy sector reputation.

Market Implications

Houston's H-1B profile suggests a maturing knowledge economy that extends well beyond its historical identity as an energy capital. The balanced representation of healthcare institutions, professional services firms, and technology companies indicates economic diversification and resilience. For employers, the high certification rate signals a well-functioning visa process and strong Labor Condition Application compliance. For prospective H-1B candidates, Houston offers a distinctive value proposition: cutting-edge opportunities in medical research and technology, coupled with a cost of living that stretches skilled worker salaries considerably further than comparable positions in traditional tech corridors.