CATERPILLAR H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data
CATERPILLAR has filed 1,664 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, with 1,579 certified. The median H-1B salary at CATERPILLAR is $107,477, which is 10% lower than the national H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Analysis
Salary Range
- 10th percentile: $90,000
- 25th percentile: $97,032
- Median: $107,477
- 75th percentile: $123,614
- 90th percentile: $138,715
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 30 (2%)
- Level II (Qualified): 767 (50%)
- Level III (Experienced): 437 (28%)
- Level IV (Expert): 303 (20%)
Trend (2020-2026)
- Starting median: $106,356
- Current median: $110,198
- Growth: +4%
Salary & Hiring Visualizations
Salary Distribution
Distribution of H-1B salaries at CATERPILLAR
CATERPILLAR's H-1B salaries range from $90,000 to $138,715 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $107,477. This is comparable to the national H-1B median.
Wage Level Distribution
DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority
CATERPILLAR files 98% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery, giving CATERPILLAR candidates a competitive advantage.
Median Salary Trend
Year-over-year salary changes
CATERPILLAR's median H-1B salary increased by +4% from FY 2020 ($106,356) to FY 2026 ($110,198).
H-1B Filings by Year
Annual hiring activity through H-1B program
CATERPILLAR's H-1B filings changed by -77% from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This may reflect changes in hiring strategy or workforce composition.
Salary by Job Title
Top roles by filing volume, showing salary distribution
The highest-volume H-1B role at CATERPILLAR is Software Engineer with 177 filings at $103,530 median salary.
Salary by Location
Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)
CATERPILLAR's largest H-1B hub is Chillicothe, IL with 527 filings. The highest-paying location is Chicago, IL at $122,470 median.
Highest Paying H-1B Roles at CATERPILLAR
Ranked by median salary — Unlike "Salary by Job Title" above which shows the most common roles by filing volume, this section ranks all H-1B positions by their median compensation to highlight the best-paying opportunities.
These are the top 10 highest-paying H-1B job titles at CATERPILLAR, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Lead Software Engineer at $144,426 median, which is 34% above the company's overall H-1B median of $107,477.
High-paying H-1B roles typically require advanced technical expertise, specialized domain knowledge, or significant leadership responsibility. Factors influencing top-tier compensation include years of experience, educational credentials (PhD, Master's degrees), rare skill combinations, and market demand for specific technologies. The salary distribution chart below each role shows how compensation varies—wider distributions indicate more salary negotiation flexibility, while narrow peaks suggest standardized pay bands. Senior and principal-level positions consistently command premium salaries due to their strategic impact and scarcity of qualified candidates.
Lead Software Engineer
49 H-1B filings at CATERPILLAR
Senior Software Engineer
176 H-1B filings at CATERPILLAR
Software Engineer
177 H-1B filings at CATERPILLAR
Senior Systems Engineer
34 H-1B filings at CATERPILLAR
Data Scientist
30 H-1B filings at CATERPILLAR
Systems Engineer
29 H-1B filings at CATERPILLAR
Salary data based on 1,579 certified H-1B labor condition applications at CATERPILLAR. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.
Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at CATERPILLAR
Actual filed salaries — These are the 10 highest individual H-1B salary filings at CATERPILLAR, representing specific positions (not aggregated medians). These may include executive, highly specialized, or senior leadership roles.
The highest H-1B salary filed at CATERPILLAR was $484,000 for a Svp, Resource Industries, Sales, Services & Technology position in Tucson, AZ (FY2024). This is 350% higher than the company's median H-1B salary.
Top H-1B salaries often cluster in high cost-of-living metros like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle where prevailing wages are higher. However, executive and specialized roles can command premium compensation regardless of location. These filings represent the upper bound of H-1B compensation at CATERPILLAR—actual total compensation may be significantly higher when including stock grants, bonuses, and benefits. Geographic patterns in top salaries often reflect where companies locate their most senior technical talent and leadership positions.
Marker size indicates salary level. Click markers for details.
| Rank | Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Svp, Resource Industries, Sales, Services & Technology | Tucson, AZ | $484,000 | IV | FY 2024 |
| 2 | Autonomy Senior Staff Engineer | San Francisco, CA | $240,000 | II | FY 2022 |
| 3 | Strategy And Planning Manager | Deerfield, IL | $220,000 | III | FY 2020 |
| 4 | Autonomy Technology Strategist | San Francisco, CA | $206,315 | IV | FY 2024 |
| 5 | Electronic Npi Team Leader | San Francisco, CA | $206,000 | II | FY 2020 |
| 6 | Principal Architect | Chicago, IL | $195,000 | III | FY 2022 |
| 7 | Senior Engineering Specialist - Dev/Res | Chillicothe, IL | $190,718 | IV | FY 2023 |
| 8 | Sr. Engineering Proj Team Leader | Decatur, IL | $185,628 | III | FY 2021 |
| 9 | Senior Engineering Project Team Leader | East Peoria, IL | $185,628 | III | FY 2021 |
| 10 | Principal Digital Archtect | Peoria, IL | $185,000 | III | FY 2022 |
These represent the highest individual salary amounts filed in H-1B labor condition applications. Note: H-1B salary data reflects base compensation only and does not include stock options, RSUs, bonuses, or other benefits which can significantly increase total compensation at tech companies.
Detailed Breakdown
H-1B Job Titles at CATERPILLAR
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 177 | $103,530 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 176 | $123,469 |
| Lead Software Engineer | 49 | $144,426 |
| Senior Systems Engineer | 34 | $103,293 |
| Data Scientist | 30 | $95,000 |
| Systems Engineer | 29 | $93,288 |
H-1B Locations for CATERPILLAR
| Location | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chillicothe, IL | 527 | $100,443 |
| Chicago, IL | 241 | $122,470 |
| Peoria, IL | 206 | $108,638 |
| Mossville, IL | 148 | $100,849 |
| Irving, TX | 55 | $121,098 |
| Tucson, AZ | 42 | $105,000 |
| Decatur, IL | 23 | $104,356 |
| Champaign, IL | 23 | $100,152 |
| East Peoria, IL | 20 | $116,999 |
| Seguin, TX | 18 | $98,200 |
Recent H-1B Filings at CATERPILLAR
Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of CATERPILLAR's 1,579 total certified filings.
| Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior IT Analyst Applications | East Peoria, IL | $127,587 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Chillicothe, IL | $92,789 | II | FY 2026 |
| Performance/ Simulation/ Application Engineer | Chillicothe, IL | $95,680 | II | FY 2026 |
| Engineer - Design | Pontiac, IL | $75,962 | II | FY 2026 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Chillicothe, IL | $127,587 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Systems Engineer | Chillicothe, IL | $111,675 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Technical Lead | Peoria, IL | $95,680 | II | FY 2026 |
| Senior Autonomy Engineer | Chillicothe, IL | $111,675 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Georgetown, TX | $139,152 | III | FY 2026 |
| Lead Software Engineer | Irving, TX | $125,288 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Electronic Systems Verification & Validation Senior Engineer | Chillicothe, IL | $110,198 | III | FY 2026 |
| Senior Digital Technical Support Engineer | Chicago, IL | $130,707 | III | FY 2026 |
| Development & Research Engineering Specialist | Chillicothe, IL | $107,099 | II | FY 2026 |
| Senior Autonomy Engineer | Chillicothe, IL | $127,587 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Peoria, IL | $127,587 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Design Engineer | Tucson, AZ | $102,128 | II | FY 2026 |
| Principal Architect | Chicago, IL | $160,555 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Chillicothe, IL | $111,675 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Design Engineer | Denison, TX | $106,870 | III | FY 2026 |
| Senior Data Specialist | Chicago, IL | $135,998 | N/A | FY 2026 |
Data source: U.S. Department of Labor LCA Disclosure Files. Showing most recent certified filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about CATERPILLAR H-1B Visas
What is the average H-1B salary at CATERPILLAR?
The median H-1B salary at CATERPILLAR is $107,477, based on 1,579 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 10% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at CATERPILLAR reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $97,032 and senior positions reaching $138,715 or higher. These figures represent base salaries in LCA filings and may not include bonuses, equity grants, or other compensation common at large employers.
Salaries at CATERPILLAR range from $90,000 at the 10th percentile to $138,715 at the 90th percentile, showing a $48,715 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $97,032 and the 75th percentile is $123,614.
Does CATERPILLAR sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, CATERPILLAR actively sponsors H-1B visas and has been a consistent participant in the H-1B program. They have filed 1,664 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. With 1,579 certified applications and a 0.2% denial rate, CATERPILLAR maintains a strong track record for H-1B sponsorship. The company sponsors positions across multiple job categories and locations, making them a viable option for professionals seeking H-1B visa sponsorship.
In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), CATERPILLAR filed 35 H-1B applications, with 34 certified and 0 denied. Over 7 years of data, CATERPILLAR has consistently demonstrated commitment to H-1B sponsorship.
Note: These are Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the Department of Labor, which is a prerequisite for H-1B petitions. The actual number of H-1B petitions filed with USCIS may differ.
What is CATERPILLAR's H-1B approval rate?
CATERPILLAR's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0.2%, with 4 out of 1,664 applications denied across all years. This translates to a 99.8% certification rate, which indicates how successfully the company prepares and files H-1B applications. A lower denial rate suggests better compliance with Department of Labor requirements, proper wage documentation, and accurate job classification. Prospective H-1B applicants should consider this approval rate alongside other factors like salary, job role, and location when evaluating CATERPILLAR as a potential H-1B sponsor.
This is an excellent approval rate, indicating CATERPILLAR has strong H-1B sponsorship practices and typically meets DOL requirements. Applicants can feel confident in the company's H-1B track record.
What jobs does CATERPILLAR sponsor for H-1B?
CATERPILLAR sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 1,579 certified filings, the most commonly sponsored job titles reflect the company's primary business functions and talent needs. These positions typically require specialized knowledge in fields like technology, engineering, finance, or scientific research. Understanding which roles CATERPILLAR most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.
Most common H-1B job titles at CATERPILLAR:
The most frequently sponsored role is Software Engineer with 177 filings at a median salary of $103,530. This is followed by Senior Software Engineer (176 filings) and Lead Software Engineer.
Where are CATERPILLAR's H-1B jobs located?
CATERPILLAR's H-1B positions are distributed across multiple U.S. locations, with concentration in major metropolitan areas and tech hubs. Geographic distribution often reflects company office locations, client sites, and regional market demands. Location significantly impacts H-1B salary due to varying cost of living and local wage requirements. Understanding where CATERPILLAR sponsors H-1B workers can help candidates target specific offices and negotiate appropriate compensation for each market.
Top CATERPILLAR H-1B locations:
The largest H-1B hub for CATERPILLAR is Chillicothe, IL with 527 filings at a median salary of $100,443. The highest-paying location is Chicago, IL at $122,470 median. Salaries range from $98,200 to $122,470 across office locations.
How have CATERPILLAR's H-1B salaries changed over time?
CATERPILLAR's median H-1B salary has increased by +4% from FY 2020 ($106,356) to FY 2026 ($110,198). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how CATERPILLAR adjusts compensation to remain competitive in the H-1B labor market. Salary growth typically reflects inflation adjustments, increased demand for specialized skills, and evolving prevailing wage requirements. These historical trends can help applicants understand future salary expectations and negotiate appropriately when considering H-1B opportunities at CATERPILLAR.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $106,347 (330 certified)
- FY 2023: $108,500 (244 certified)
- FY 2024: $103,293 (293 certified)
- FY 2025: $112,299 (357 certified)
- FY 2026: $110,198 (34 certified)
CATERPILLAR has maintained steady salary growth for H-1B positions over this period.
What wage level does CATERPILLAR use for H-1B?
CATERPILLAR primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level II, accounting for 50% of their filings. DOL wage levels range from Level I (entry-level, 17th percentile of local wages) to Level IV (expert, 67th percentile). Wage level determines both salary requirements and, under recent H-1B rules, lottery selection priority. Higher wage levels receive preference in the H-1B lottery, making CATERPILLAR's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.
With 98% of positions at Level II or higher, CATERPILLAR typically offers competitive wages above entry-level. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery.
How does CATERPILLAR's H-1B salary compare to other employers?
CATERPILLAR's median H-1B salary of $107,477 is 10% lower than the national H-1B median of $120,000 across all employers and industries. This comparison provides context for evaluating CATERPILLAR's competitiveness in attracting H-1B talent. Keep in mind that industry, location, and job function significantly impact salary levels. Tech companies and financial institutions typically offer higher H-1B salaries than other sectors, while salaries in major metros like San Francisco and New York exceed those in smaller markets. Compare CATERPILLAR's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.
CATERPILLAR's H-1B salaries are below the national median, though this may vary significantly by role, experience level, and location. Consider researching specific positions for more accurate compensation expectations.
How do new H-1B fees and rules affect CATERPILLAR's sponsorship?
Recent H-1B rule changes have increased filing fees and introduced wage-level prioritization in the lottery. CATERPILLAR files 2% of positions at Level I, which may face more lottery competition under wage-level prioritization rules.
With 1,579 certified filings, CATERPILLAR invests significantly in H-1B sponsorship. The company's 0.2% denial rate suggests strong compliance with H-1B requirements and documentation standards.
Note: H-1B regulations are subject to change. Fees shown are estimates based on 2024 USCIS fee schedules. Actual costs may vary based on company size, premium processing, and future rule changes.
Companies Similar to CATERPILLAR
Employers with similar H-1B salary ranges and filing volumes.