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HGST H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data

HGST has filed 120 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2021, with 119 certified. The median H-1B salary at HGST is $135,000, which is 13% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000.

119
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2021
$135,000
Median Salary
+13% vs national
0.8%
Denial Rate
1 denied of 120
2
Years of Data
FY 2020-2021

Salary Analysis

Salary Range

  • 10th percentile: $100,000
  • 25th percentile: $115,000
  • Median: $135,000
  • 75th percentile: $151,276
  • 90th percentile: $165,000

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 18 (18%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 20 (20%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 27 (27%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 34 (34%)

Trend (2020-2021)

  • Starting median: $133,200
  • Current median: $151,276
  • Growth: +14%

Salary & Hiring Visualizations

Salary Distribution

Distribution of H-1B salaries at HGST

HGST's H-1B salaries range from $100,000 to $165,000 (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

HGST files 82% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery, giving HGST candidates a competitive advantage.

Median Salary Trend

Year-over-year salary changes

HGST's median H-1B salary increased by +14% from FY 2020 ($133,200) to FY 2021 ($151,276).

H-1B Filings by Year

Annual hiring activity through H-1B program

HGST's H-1B filings changed by -93% from FY 2020 to FY 2021. This may reflect changes in hiring strategy or workforce composition.

Salary by Job Title

Top H-1B job titles at this employer

Principal Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering
8 filings
$130,000
Staff Engineer, Asic Development Engineering
7 filings
$133,200
Data Scientist
7 filings
$109,554
Principal Engineer, R&D Engineering
6 filings
$141,413
Staff Engineer, Firmware Engineering
6 filings
$119,000
Analyst 4, Business Applications
5 filings
$148,566

The highest-volume H-1B role at HGST is Principal Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering with 8 filings at $130,000 median salary.

Salary by Location

Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)

San Jose, CA (46)
$125K
Irvine, CA (10)
$141K
Milpitas, CA (37)
$141K
$50K $125K $200K $300K+

HGST's largest H-1B hub is San Jose, CA with 46 filings. The highest-paying location is Fremont, CA at $151,276 median.

Highest Paying H-1B Roles at HGST

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 HGST, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Analyst 4, Business Applications at $148,566 median, which is 10% 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 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.

1

Analyst 4, Business Applications

5 H-1B filings at HGST

$148,566
+10% vs company median
2

Principal Engineer, R&D Engineering

6 H-1B filings at HGST

$141,413
+5% vs company median
3

Staff Engineer, Asic Development Engineering

7 H-1B filings at HGST

$133,200
-1% vs company median
4

Principal Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering

8 H-1B filings at HGST

$130,000
-4% vs company median
5

Staff Engineer, Firmware Engineering

6 H-1B filings at HGST

$119,000
-12% vs company median
6

Data Scientist

7 H-1B filings at HGST

$109,554
-19% vs company median

Salary data based on 119 certified H-1B labor condition applications at HGST. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.

Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at HGST

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

The highest H-1B salary filed at HGST was $240,000 for a Senior Technologist, R&D Engineering position in Sunnyvale, CA (FY2020). This is 78% 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 HGST—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 Senior Technologist, R&D Engineering Sunnyvale, CA $240,000 I FY 2020
2 Senior Technologist, R&D Engineering Milpitas, CA $240,000 I FY 2020
3 Technologist, Firmware Engineering Milpitas, CA $172,640 IV FY 2020
4 Technologist, R&D Engineering San Jose, CA $170,872 IV FY 2020
5 Technologist, R&D Engineering Newark, CA $170,872 IV FY 2020
6 Technologist, R&D Engineering Milpitas, CA $170,000 IV FY 2020
7 Technologist, Analytical & Characterization Engineering Milpitas, CA $167,022 IV FY 2020
8 Technologist, Analytical & Characterization Engineering Los Gatos, CA $167,022 IV FY 2020
9 Technologist, Asic Development Engineering Milpitas, CA $165,000 IV FY 2020
10 Technologist, Asic Development Engineering Milpitas, CA $165,000 IV FY 2020

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 HGST

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Principal Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering 8 $130,000
Staff Engineer, Asic Development Engineering 7 $133,200
Data Scientist 7 $109,554
Principal Engineer, R&D Engineering 6 $141,413
Staff Engineer, Firmware Engineering 6 $119,000
Analyst 4, Business Applications 5 $148,566

H-1B Locations for HGST

Location Filings Median Salary
San Jose, CA 46 $125,000
Milpitas, CA 37 $141,413
Irvine, CA 10 $141,289
Sunnyvale, CA 5 $140,650
Fremont, CA 4 $151,276
Colorado Springs, CO 3 $119,000
Pleasanton, CA 2 $165,000
Cupertino, CA 1 $133,200
Rochester, MN 1 $84,000
Santa Clara, CA 1 $150,000

Recent H-1B Filings at HGST

Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of HGST's 119 total certified filings.

Job Title Location Salary Level Year
Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering Milpitas, CA $150,000 III FY 2021
Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering Fishkill, NY $150,000 III FY 2021
Analyst 4, Business Applications Fremont, CA $151,276 N/A FY 2021
Analyst 4, Business Applications San Jose, CA $151,276 N/A FY 2021
Principal Engineer, R&D Engineering Sunnyvale, CA $141,413 N/A FY 2021
Principal Engineer, R&D Engineering Milpitas, CA $141,413 N/A FY 2021
Technologist, Systems Design Engineering San Jose, CA $153,000 IV FY 2021
Technologist, Systems Design Engineering San Jose, CA $153,000 IV FY 2021
Senior Storage Engineer Milpitas, CA $163,530 IV FY 2020
Senior Storage Engineer Milpitas, CA $163,530 IV FY 2020
Principal Engineer, Asic Development Engineering Irvine, CA $141,289 N/A FY 2020
Administrator 4, Network Administration Milpitas, CA $135,000 III FY 2020
Principal Engineer , Software Development Engineering (Apps) San Jose, CA $153,665 N/A FY 2020
Principal Engineer, Engineering Milpitas, CA $134,597 III FY 2020
Manager, Systems Design Engineering Milpitas, CA $134,597 III FY 2020
Technologist, Reliability Engineering San Jose, CA $135,000 III FY 2020
Senior Engineer, Firmware Engineering San Jose, CA $90,000 I FY 2020
Analyst 4, Business Applications Milpitas, CA $148,566 N/A FY 2020
Principal Engineer, Systems Design Verification Engineering Irvine, CA $148,346 IV FY 2020
Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering San Jose, CA $111,884 N/A FY 2020

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

Frequently Asked Questions about HGST H-1B Visas

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

The median H-1B salary at HGST is $135,000, based on 119 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2021. This is 13% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at HGST reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $115,000 and senior positions reaching $165,000 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
$100,000 $135,000 $165,000

Salaries at HGST range from $100,000 at the 10th percentile to $165,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $65,000 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $115,000 and the 75th percentile is $151,276.

Does HGST sponsor H-1B visas?

Yes, HGST actively sponsors H-1B visas and has been a consistent participant in the H-1B program. They have filed 120 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2021, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. With 119 certified applications and a 0.8% denial rate, HGST 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.

H-1B Filing History
20
21

In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2021), HGST filed 8 H-1B applications, with 8 certified and 0 denied. Over 2 years of data, HGST 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 HGST's H-1B approval rate?

HGST's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0.8%, with 1 out of 120 applications denied across all years. This translates to a 99.2% 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 HGST as a potential H-1B sponsor.

Approval vs Denial Rate
99.2% Certified
119 certified 1 denied

This is a good approval rate, comparable to industry averages. HGST demonstrates reliable H-1B sponsorship practices.

What jobs does HGST sponsor for H-1B?

HGST sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 119 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 HGST most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.

Most common H-1B job titles at HGST:

Principal Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering
$130,000
Staff Engineer, Asic Development Engineering
$133,200
Data Scientist
$109,554
Principal Engineer, R&D Engineering
$141,413
Staff Engineer, Firmware Engineering
$119,000

The most frequently sponsored role is Principal Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering with 8 filings at a median salary of $130,000. This is followed by Staff Engineer, Asic Development Engineering (7 filings) and Data Scientist.

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

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

Top HGST H-1B locations:

Circle size indicates relative H-1B filing volume

The largest H-1B hub for HGST is San Jose, CA with 46 filings at a median salary of $125,000. The highest-paying location is Pleasanton, CA at $165,000 median. Salaries range from $84,000 to $165,000 across office locations.

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

HGST's median H-1B salary has increased by +14% from FY 2020 ($133,200) to FY 2021 ($151,276). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how HGST 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 HGST.

Median Salary Trend
20
21

Year-by-year breakdown:

  • FY 2020: $133,200 (111 certified)
  • FY 2021: $151,276 (8 certified)

HGST has maintained steady salary growth for H-1B positions over this period.

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

HGST primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level IV, accounting for 34% 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 HGST's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.

Wage Level Distribution
I
II
III
IV
I: 18% II: 20% III: 27% IV: 34%

With 82% of positions at Level II or higher, HGST typically offers competitive wages above entry-level. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery.

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

HGST'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 HGST'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 HGST's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.

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

HGST offers above-average H-1B compensation. Combined with their 119 certified filings and 0.8% denial rate, they demonstrate solid H-1B sponsorship practices.

How do new H-1B fees and rules affect HGST'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
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. HGST's higher proportion of Level III-IV positions (62%) may benefit from wage-based lottery prioritization.

With 119 certified filings, HGST invests significantly in H-1B sponsorship. The company's 0.8% 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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