As many of you stated, it's very difficult to find a full time job especially when you are only allowed to work for one year, excluding STEM majors. However, many employers post jobs with one year contract and anyone looking for opt jobs should focus on finding these type of openings, one year contract. Alternative option is to look for a temp to permanent positions through staffing agencies like Roberthalf, Randstad, etc. Since opt is limited to one year, the timing of applying is very important, you should apply as soon as you graduate and it usually takes 2-3 months. Delaying the application will shorten the one year period which in other words if you apply after one month of graduating you will be authorized to work for only 11 months and so on so forth. Application processing time does NOT affect the one year though. As far as salaries it depends, for example an undergrad in Business degree salary starts from $30-$50k annually Depends on the position. The important thing, IMHO, is get involved in the workplace and learn the discipline and work culture, beside implementing the skills you learned into the workplace.