TN Visa Salary Requirements 2026: What You Need to Know
Unlike H-1B, TN visas don't have strict prevailing wage requirements. But salary still matters. Here's why.
Key Point
The TN visa has no official minimum salary requirement. However, your salary should be reasonable for the position and location to avoid red flags.
TN vs H-1B Salary Rules
| Requirement | TN Visa | H-1B Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum salary | None specified | Prevailing wage required |
| Labor Condition Application | Not required | Required (DOL approval) |
| Wage documentation | Offer letter only | Extensive wage analysis |
| Salary in application | Must be stated | Must meet prevailing wage |
Why Salary Still Matters
Even without a legal minimum, CBP officers may question unusually low salaries because:
- Legitimacy check — A software engineer making $30K raises fraud concerns
- Professional position — TN requires "professional" work, which implies professional pay
- Ability to support yourself — Officers want to see you can live on the salary
- Employer credibility — Extremely low pay suggests the job may not be genuine
Typical Salaries by TN Profession (2026)
| Profession | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analyst | $70,000 | $100,000 | $140,000+ |
| Engineer | $65,000 | $95,000 | $130,000+ |
| Accountant | $55,000 | $80,000 | $120,000+ |
| Registered Nurse | $60,000 | $85,000 | $110,000+ |
| Management Consultant | $75,000 | $120,000 | $180,000+ |
| Graphic Designer | $45,000 | $65,000 | $90,000+ |
| Pharmacist | $110,000 | $130,000 | $150,000+ |
| Scientist | $55,000 | $85,000 | $120,000+ |
Location Matters
A $70K salary is reasonable in Texas but may raise eyebrows for a senior engineer in San Francisco. Adjust expectations by location.
What If Your Salary Is Below Average?
Lower salaries can still be approved if you can explain them:
- Entry-level position — New graduates naturally earn less
- Low cost-of-living area — Rural areas pay less than major cities
- Non-profit or academic — Universities and NGOs pay below market
- Part-time work — Pro-rated salary is fine if hours are clear
- Startup equity — Lower base + equity is common in tech
How to Present Salary in Your Application
Your offer letter should clearly state:
- Annual salary — "$95,000 per year" (not hourly unless part-time)
- Full-time status — "40 hours per week"
- Start date — When employment begins
- Benefits — Optional but adds legitimacy
Red Flags That May Cause Issues
- Salary significantly below market rate with no explanation
- Hourly wage for a "professional" position
- No salary mentioned in offer letter
- Commission-only or 1099 contractor arrangements
- Salary that doesn't match the job title (e.g., "Senior Engineer" at $40K)
Bottom Line
Aim for at least the 25th percentile of market rate for your profession and location. This avoids questions and shows the position is legitimate.
Last updated: May 2026