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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q3

CISCO H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data

Yes, CISCO sponsors H-1B visas. In FY 2026, CISCO filed 1,191 H-1B labor condition applications (1,184 certified) with a median salary of $152,500. Across FY 2020–2026, CISCO has filed 10,235 total H-1B applications with 10,203 certified and a lifetime median salary of $135,000, which is 13% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 160 certified LCAs

Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.

Still sponsoring — below baseline
140
247
661
458
200
290
160
FY 2020
FY 2021
FY 2022
FY 2023
FY 2024
FY 2025
FY 2026

FY 2020–2025 Q1 range 6-year Q1 average

Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for CISCO: FY 2020: 140; FY 2021: 247; FY 2022: 661; FY 2023: 458; FY 2024: 200; FY 2025: 290; FY 2026: 160;

Did pay change after the fee?

The median salary on CISCO's certified LCAs was $149,300 in FY 2026 Q1, versus $143,700 in FY 2025 Q1 (up 4%).

FY 2025 Q1
290 filings
FY 2026 Q1
160 filings

Shape = all certified filings that quarter; box = middle 50%; dark tick = median. A shift right can mean higher pay or a shift toward senior roles.

CISCO certified 160 H-1B LCAs in FY 2026 Q1 — the first quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025. The 6-year Q1 baseline (FY 2020–2025) averages 333 certified filings per Q1, so this quarter came in 52% below the historical norm.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (290 certified), FY 2026 Q1 is down 45%. The 6-year Q1 range runs from 140 (low) to 661 (peak in FY 2022).

These counts reflect DOL LCA certifications with decision_date in Oct–Dec — a proxy for post-fee sponsorship activity. LCAs do not distinguish cap-subject new hires (fee-exposed) from extensions, transfers, and change-of-status petitions (fee-exempt), so a drop does not cleanly translate to fewer H-1B workers at CISCO.

10,203
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$135,000
Median Salary
+13% vs national
0.1%
Denial Rate
8 denied of 10,235
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis

Salary Range

  • 10th percentile: $97,700
  • 25th percentile: $115,300
  • Median: $135,000
  • 75th percentile: $157,500
  • 90th percentile: $179,692

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 82 (1%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 2,695 (33%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 4,629 (57%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 654 (8%)

Trend (2020-2026)

  • Starting median: $122,408
  • Current median: $152,500
  • Growth: +25%

Salary & Hiring Visualizations

Salary Distribution

Distribution of H-1B salaries at CISCO

CISCO's H-1B salaries range from $97,700 to $179,692 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $135,000. This is 13% above the national H-1B median.

Wage Level Distribution

DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority

CISCO files 99% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery, giving CISCO candidates a competitive advantage.

Median Salary Trend

Year-over-year salary changes

CISCO's median H-1B salary increased by +25% from FY 2020 ($122,408) to FY 2026 ($152,500). This strong growth reflects competitive compensation adjustments.

H-1B Filings by Year

Annual hiring activity through H-1B program

CISCO's H-1B filings grew by +1% from FY 2020 to FY 2026.

Salary by Job Title

Top roles by filing volume: shape of all filings, middle 50% box, median tick

QA Engineer
313 · $125K
Software Engineer
2,185 · $133K
Architect
533 · $138K
Product Manager
385 · $142K
Lead Software Engineer
579 · $169K

The highest-volume H-1B role at CISCO is Software Engineer with 2,185 filings at $133,474 median salary.

Salary by Location

Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)

Richardson, TX
597 · $115K
Research Triangle Park, NC
925 · $115K
San Francisco, CA
864 · $145K
San Jose, CA
3,419 · $149K
Milpitas, CA
502 · $165K

CISCO's largest H-1B hub is San Jose, CA with 3,419 filings. The highest-paying location is Milpitas, CA at $164,686 median.

Highest Paying H-1B Roles at CISCO

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 6 highest-paying of CISCO's most common H-1B job titles, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Lead Software Engineer at $168,834 median, which is 25% above the company's overall H-1B median of $135,000.

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 chart under each role shows how pay is spread across its filings—a wide box means pay varies a lot for that title, while a narrow box suggests standardized pay bands. Senior and principal-level positions consistently command premium salaries due to their strategic impact and scarcity of qualified candidates.

Middle 50% of salaries Middle 80% Median Shape of all filings (wider = more common salary) Sample of filings Company median

1

Lead Software Engineer

579 H-1B filings at CISCO

$168,834
+25% vs company median
2

Product Manager

385 H-1B filings at CISCO

$142,000
+5% vs company median
3

Architect

533 H-1B filings at CISCO

$138,341
+2% vs company median
4

Software Engineer

2,185 H-1B filings at CISCO

$133,474
-1% vs company median
5

QA Engineer

313 H-1B filings at CISCO

$124,500
-8% vs company median
6

Technical Consulting Engineer

282 H-1B filings at CISCO

$99,008
-27% vs company median

Salary data based on 10,203 certified H-1B labor condition applications at CISCO. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.

Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at CISCO

Actual filed salaries — These are the 10 highest individual H-1B salary filings at CISCO, representing specific positions (not aggregated medians). These may include executive, highly specialized, or senior leadership roles.

The highest H-1B salary filed at CISCO was $525,000 for a Svp, Chief Information Officer position in San Jose, CA (FY2021). This is 289% 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 CISCO—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.

Where are the highest-paid H-1B positions located?

Marker size indicates salary level. Click markers for details.

Rank Job Title Location Salary Level Year
1 Svp, Chief Information Officer San Jose, CA $525,000 N/A FY 2021
2 Vice President, Finance San Jose, CA $440,000 II FY 2020
3 Vice President, Engineering San Jose, CA $432,758 II FY 2020
4 Vp, Enterprise Architect (910) - Cas-49557-Q9G8R0 San Jose, CA $325,000 N/A FY 2021
5 Principal Machine Learning Engineer Milpitas, CA $322,500 IV FY 2025
6 Vp/Gm, Engineering San Francisco, CA $315,000 IV FY 2021
7 Vp, Supply Chain San Jose, CA $306,000 IV FY 2025
8 Appd Executive San Jose, CA $300,000 IV FY 2020
9 Appd Executive San Francisco, CA $300,000 IV FY 2020
10 Director, Strategy & Planning San Jose, CA $296,622 N/A FY 2026

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 CISCO

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Software Engineer 2,185 $133,474
Lead Software Engineer 579 $168,834
Architect 533 $138,341
Product Manager 385 $142,000
QA Engineer 313 $124,500
Technical Consulting Engineer 282 $99,008

H-1B Locations for CISCO

Location Filings Median Salary
San Jose, CA 3,419 $149,400
Research Triangle Park, NC 925 $115,000
San Francisco, CA 864 $145,246
Richardson, TX 597 $114,900
Milpitas, CA 502 $164,686
Austin, TX 379 $123,000
Morrisville, NC 332 $123,900
Seattle, WA 236 $138,091
Chicago, IL 171 $106,558
Boxborough, MA 156 $130,400

Recent H-1B Filings at CISCO

Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of CISCO's 10,203 total certified filings.

Job Title Location Salary Level Year
High Touch Engineering Technical Leader Morrisville, NC $150,700 III FY 2026
Lead Frontend Developer San Francisco, CA $191,400 III FY 2026
Data Analyst Boston, MA $100,200 II FY 2026
Director, Strategy & Planning Austin, TX $200,400 IV FY 2026
Product Manager Milpitas, CA $181,293 III FY 2026
Engineering Technical Leader Milpitas, CA $226,138 III FY 2026
Customer Experience Customer Success Technical Leader Dunlap, IL $161,900 III FY 2026
Cloud Engineer Milpitas, CA $177,993 N/A FY 2026
Lead Mechanical Engineer San Jose, CA $168,800 III FY 2026
QA Engineer San Jose, CA $165,422 III FY 2026
Inside Account Executive - Architecture Bellevue, WA $98,488 II FY 2026
Business Intelligence Manager Richardson, TX $118,893 III FY 2026
UX Designer Holly Springs, NC $113,900 II FY 2026
Architect Downingtown, PA $166,500 III FY 2026
Lead Software Engineer Fulton, MD $163,600 III FY 2026
Software Engineer Mclean, VA $150,758 III FY 2026
Software Consulting Engineer Richardson, TX $135,800 III FY 2026
Customer Success Manager San Jose, CA $178,800 III FY 2026
Lead Software Engineer San Francisco, CA $187,574 III FY 2026
Engineering Technical Leader Research Triangle Park, NC $166,500 III FY 2026

Data source: U.S. Department of Labor LCA Disclosure Files. Showing most recent certified filings.

Frequently Asked Questions about CISCO H-1B Visas

What is the average H-1B salary at CISCO?

The median H-1B salary at CISCO is $135,000, based on 10,203 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 13% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at CISCO reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $115,300 and senior positions reaching $179,692 or higher. These figures represent base salaries in LCA filings and may not include bonuses, equity grants, or other compensation common at large employers.

10th %ile Median 90th %ile
$97,700 $135,000 $179,692

Salaries at CISCO range from $97,700 at the 10th percentile to $179,692 at the 90th percentile, showing a $81,992 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $115,300 and the 75th percentile is $157,500.

Does CISCO sponsor H-1B visas in 2026?

Yes, CISCO actively sponsors H-1B visas in FY 2026. In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), CISCO filed 1,191 H-1B labor condition applications with 1,184 certified and 0 denied, at a median salary of $152,500. Across FY 2020–2026, they have filed 10,235 total H-1B applications with 10,203 certified and a 0.1% lifetime denial rate, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. CISCO sponsors positions across multiple job categories and locations, making them a viable option for professionals seeking H-1B visa sponsorship.

H-1B Filing History
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), CISCO filed 1,191 H-1B applications, with 1,184 certified and 0 denied. Over 7 years of data, CISCO 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 CISCO's H-1B approval rate?

CISCO's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0.1%, with 8 out of 10,235 applications denied across all years. This translates to a 99.9% 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 CISCO as a potential H-1B sponsor.

Approval vs Denial Rate
99.9% Certified
10,203 certified 8 denied

This is an excellent approval rate, indicating CISCO 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 CISCO sponsor for H-1B?

CISCO sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 10,203 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 CISCO most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.

Most common H-1B job titles at CISCO:

$138,341
$142,000
$124,500

The most frequently sponsored role is Software Engineer with 2,185 filings at a median salary of $133,474. This is followed by Lead Software Engineer (579 filings) and Architect.

Where are CISCO's H-1B jobs located?

CISCO'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 CISCO sponsors H-1B workers can help candidates target specific offices and negotiate appropriate compensation for each market.

Top CISCO H-1B locations:

Circle size indicates relative H-1B filing volume

The largest H-1B hub for CISCO is San Jose, CA with 3,419 filings at a median salary of $149,400. The highest-paying location is Milpitas, CA at $164,686 median. Salaries range from $106,558 to $164,686 across office locations.

How have CISCO's H-1B salaries changed over time?

CISCO's median H-1B salary has increased by +25% from FY 2020 ($122,408) to FY 2026 ($152,500). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how CISCO 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 CISCO.

Median Salary Trend
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Year-by-year breakdown:

  • FY 2022: $127,500 (2,127 certified)
  • FY 2023: $130,354 (1,272 certified)
  • FY 2024: $133,300 (1,234 certified)
  • FY 2025: $140,400 (1,233 certified)
  • FY 2026: $152,500 (1,184 certified)

This 25% growth reflects strong compensation adjustments at CISCO, keeping pace with market demands for H-1B talent.

What wage level does CISCO use for H-1B?

CISCO primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level III, accounting for 57% 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 CISCO's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.

Wage Level Distribution
II
III
I: 1% II: 33% III: 57% IV: 8%

With 99% of positions at Level II or higher, CISCO typically offers competitive wages above entry-level. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery.

How does CISCO's H-1B salary compare to other employers?

CISCO's median H-1B salary of $135,000 is 13% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000 across all employers and industries. This comparison provides context for evaluating CISCO'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 CISCO's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.

vs National H-1B Median
CISCO
$135,000
National
$120,000
+13% above national median

CISCO offers above-average H-1B compensation. Combined with their 10,203 certified filings and 0.1% denial rate, they demonstrate solid H-1B sponsorship practices.

How do new H-1B fees and rules affect CISCO's sponsorship?
Estimated H-1B Sponsorship Costs (FY 2025)
I-129 Base Filing Fee $1,655
ACWIA Fee (25+ employees) $1,500
Fraud Prevention Fee $500
Asylum Program Fee $600
H-1B Registration Fee $215
Premium Processing (optional) $2,805
Estimated Total per H-1B $4,470 - $7,275+

Recent H-1B rule changes have increased filing fees and introduced wage-level prioritization in the lottery. CISCO's higher proportion of Level III-IV positions (66%) may benefit from wage-based lottery prioritization.

With 10,203 certified filings, CISCO invests significantly in H-1B sponsorship. The company's 0.1% 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.

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