H-1B Salary Database: 177,485 U.S. Sponsors

The median H-1B salary in FY 2026 is $126,302, reflecting continued growth in skilled worker compensation. H-1B salaries vary significantly by role and location—software engineers in Silicon Valley often earn $150K–$200K, while positions in lower cost-of-living areas may start around $80K. The 10th percentile sits at $77,147, representing entry-level positions, while top earners at the 90th percentile reach $209,000. These figures represent base salaries only and exclude bonuses, stock compensation, and benefits. See the full FY 2026 salary breakdown or historical trends.

AMAZON leads H-1B sponsorship with 124,557 filings, primarily for technology and consulting roles. The top sponsors fall into two categories: Big Tech companies (Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple) who hire directly for engineering and product roles, and IT consulting firms (Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, Wipro) who place workers at client sites. Tech giants typically offer higher salaries ($150K-$200K median) compared to consulting firms ($80K-$120K median). Together, the top 10 sponsors account for a significant portion of all H-1B applications filed annually.

New York, NY dominates H-1B hiring with 215,595 certified filings, driven by its concentration of tech giants and financial institutions. Seattle, WA follows with 91,980 filings, home to major tech employers like Microsoft and Amazon. California cities feature prominently—San Francisco, CA, Austin, TX, and San Jose, CA collectively account for significant H-1B activity in Silicon Valley. Texas metros like Austin and Dallas have emerged as growing H-1B hubs, offering lower costs while attracting tech talent.