[kemathen7]

Completely false. I work in compensation for an engineering firm ... the gov't rate for an engineer with a Masters is about $55,000. But, that also depends a great deal on the job and the skill set required.

[Ford Fairlane]

I know that was what these guys were getting (as one of 2 token white guys working for the contract firm i had to translate time sheets, pay stubs, etc), but it wouldnt be the first time this particular company "bent" the law.

[CHUCKfromCAL]

You are both right and wrong. The going rate of $55,000 is about right but here in Silicon Valley an average US citizen engineer with a computer science masters is paid about $80,000 - $90,000. Hiring a H1B engineer for $55,000 is a considerable savings for the employer.

As a hiring manager, I see a steady stream of older (40+) engineers with excellent qualifications and experience that can not find work.

There are three reasons - first, employers can hire H1B candidates for less; second, there is a belief that older engineers are not "up" on the latest technology and third, older engineers with families will not work the long hours (60-80 per week) favored by local employers.

[Marine Inspector]

I work for the INS and see the paperwork when these H-1's show up to enter the US.

They are being paid much less then the "going rate".