Dr. William:

My current research project is about electronic data application in oil industry and I believe it is in U.S. National Interests. Now I want to apply for EB-1 Outstanding Researcher or NIW. Because my salary in Nashville, Tennessee is not high, I don't know if it's an obstacle for application of EB-1 Outstanding Researcher or NIW?

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Answer:

If you go through the Labor Certification process, your wage should be more or equal to the prevailing wage, which is decided by the Tennessee State Department of Labor and your job title. 

The prevailing wage is not required for application of both EB-1 Outstanding Researcher and NIW, because the Labor Certification process is bypassed. Of cause, a higher salary will looks better for your petition case.