Fine by me but H1-B should not be allowed to use the Level 1 or Level 2 wage designation the BLS defines, especially if they are masters students now that we are prioritizing masters degrees since we've decided they provide more value.
Setting wages from level 1 and 2 is exactly what happens in a majority of these visas today and doesn't make sense that we are importing "skilled" labor, fresh out of mostly mediocre schools, at entry level wages to work on back office systems at companies that make generous profits quarter after quarter.
Edit: I just looked it up, in 2018 nearly 72% of H1B applications that used the OES wage data in their LCA were either Level 1 or Level 2...
Below are the (possibly dated?) definitions for Level 1 and 2[0]:
Level I (entry) wage rates are assigned to job offers for beginning level employees who
have only a basic understanding of the occupation. These employees perform routine
tasks that require limited, if any, exercise of judgment. The tasks provide experience
and familiarization with the employer’s methods, practices, and programs. The
employees may perform higher level work for training and developmental purposes.
These employees work under close supervision and receive specific instructions on
required tasks and results expected. Their work is closely monitored and reviewed for
accuracy. Statements that the job offer is for a research fellow, a worker in training, or
an internship are indicators that a Level I wage should be considered.
Level II (qualified) wage rates are assigned to job offers for qualified employees who
have attained, either through education or experience, a good understanding of the
occupation. They perform moderately complex tasks that require limited judgment. An
indicator that the job request warrants a wage determination at Level II would be a
requirement for years of education and/or experience that are generally required as
described in the O*NET Job Zones.
Setting wages from level 1 and 2 is exactly what happens in a majority of these visas today and doesn't make sense that we are importing "skilled" labor, fresh out of mostly mediocre schools, at entry level wages to work on back office systems at companies that make generous profits quarter after quarter.
Edit: I just looked it up, in 2018 nearly 72% of H1B applications that used the OES wage data in their LCA were either Level 1 or Level 2...
Below are the (possibly dated?) definitions for Level 1 and 2[0]:
Level I (entry) wage rates are assigned to job offers for beginning level employees who have only a basic understanding of the occupation. These employees perform routine tasks that require limited, if any, exercise of judgment. The tasks provide experience and familiarization with the employer’s methods, practices, and programs. The employees may perform higher level work for training and developmental purposes. These employees work under close supervision and receive specific instructions on required tasks and results expected. Their work is closely monitored and reviewed for accuracy. Statements that the job offer is for a research fellow, a worker in training, or an internship are indicators that a Level I wage should be considered.
Level II (qualified) wage rates are assigned to job offers for qualified employees who have attained, either through education or experience, a good understanding of the occupation. They perform moderately complex tasks that require limited judgment. An indicator that the job request warrants a wage determination at Level II would be a requirement for years of education and/or experience that are generally required as described in the O*NET Job Zones.
[0] http://www.flcdatacenter.com/download/NPWHC_Guidance_Revised...