Is there a fixed index to prove ‘above average salary’ for EB-1?

There is no fixed index or magic number for the ‘above average salary’ criterion in EB-1. The logic is not to hit a single universal benchmark, but to show that your earnings are clearly above the standard for professionals working in the same field.

In practice, the comparison is made using market data and always in context: the same figure can be exceptional in one sector or region and common in another. That is why the evaluation considers your field, your location, and the specific compensation practices, on a case-by-case basis.

To build this argument, it usually helps to gather:

• Salary reports and surveys from your sector, including data from official sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Direct comparisons with the compensation of peers in the same role.
• Expert opinions attesting that your salary is above average.

Since there is no standardized threshold and parameters change over time, avoid asserting specific percentiles or figures on your own. Check the updated guidance from USCIS and official salary data sources and, if possible, consult a specialist.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.