MICROSOFT H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data
Including: LINKEDIN, NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS
MICROSOFT has filed 61,385 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, with 61,202 certified. The median H-1B salary at MICROSOFT is $156,000, which is 30% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Analysis
Salary Range
- 10th percentile: $122,000
- 25th percentile: $136,540
- Median: $156,000
- 75th percentile: $176,900
- 90th percentile: $198,600
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 6,207 (11%)
- Level II (Qualified): 24,789 (42%)
- Level III (Experienced): 21,480 (37%)
- Level IV (Expert): 5,960 (10%)
Trend (2020-2026)
- Starting median: $141,330
- Current median: $180,710
- Growth: +28%
Salary & Hiring Visualizations
Salary Distribution
Distribution of H-1B salaries at MICROSOFT
MICROSOFT's H-1B salaries range from $122,000 to $198,600 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $156,000. This is 30% above the national H-1B median.
Wage Level Distribution
DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority
MICROSOFT files 89% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery, giving MICROSOFT candidates a competitive advantage.
Median Salary Trend
Year-over-year salary changes
MICROSOFT's median H-1B salary increased by +28% from FY 2020 ($141,330) to FY 2026 ($180,710). This strong growth reflects competitive compensation adjustments.
H-1B Filings by Year
Annual hiring activity through H-1B program
MICROSOFT's H-1B filings changed by -82% 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 MICROSOFT is Software Engineer with 33,743 filings at $154,350 median salary.
Salary by Location
Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)
MICROSOFT's largest H-1B hub is Redmond, WA with 33,227 filings. The highest-paying location is Mountain View, CA at $176,805 median.
Highest Paying H-1B Roles at MICROSOFT
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 MICROSOFT, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Product Manager at $171,932 median, which is 10% above the company's overall H-1B median of $156,000.
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.
Product Manager
1,851 H-1B filings at MICROSOFT
Senior Program Manager
1,004 H-1B filings at MICROSOFT
Senior Software Engineer
3,322 H-1B filings at MICROSOFT
Software Engineer
33,743 H-1B filings at MICROSOFT
Research Scientist
1,509 H-1B filings at MICROSOFT
Program Manager
2,065 H-1B filings at MICROSOFT
Salary data based on 61,202 certified H-1B labor condition applications at MICROSOFT. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.
Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at MICROSOFT
Actual filed salaries — These are the 10 highest individual H-1B salary filings at MICROSOFT, representing specific positions (not aggregated medians). These may include executive, highly specialized, or senior leadership roles.
The highest H-1B salary filed at MICROSOFT was $425,250 for a Vp1, Talent Solutions position in Roswell, GA (FY2025). This is 173% 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 MICROSOFT—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 | Vp1, Talent Solutions | Roswell, GA | $425,250 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 2 | Vice President, Customer Success & Insights | San Francisco, CA | $377,530 | IV | FY 2023 |
| 3 | Vice President, Customer Success & Insights | San Francisco, CA | $375,000 | IV | FY 2021 |
| 4 | Product Manager | Mountain View, CA | $341,250 | IV | FY 2020 |
| 5 | Principal Research Scientist | Redmond, WA | $336,290 | IV | FY 2020 |
| 6 | Software Engineer | Mountain View, CA | $314,000 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 7 | Software Engineer | Mountain View, CA | $313,500 | III | FY 2025 |
| 8 | Business Planner | Mountain View, CA | $310,000 | IV | FY 2022 |
| 9 | Business Planner | Mountain View, CA | $310,000 | IV | FY 2023 |
| 10 | Software Engineer | Redmond, WA | $310,000 | IV | 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 MICROSOFT
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 33,743 | $154,350 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 3,322 | $157,477 |
| Program Manager | 2,065 | $142,502 |
| Product Manager | 1,851 | $171,932 |
| Research Scientist | 1,509 | $143,350 |
| Senior Program Manager | 1,004 | $165,555 |
H-1B Locations for MICROSOFT
| Location | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WA | 33,227 | $158,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 5,258 | $157,477 |
| Bellevue, WA | 4,659 | $153,232 |
| Mountain View, CA | 3,320 | $176,805 |
| Atlanta, GA | 1,955 | $128,000 |
| New York, NY | 1,102 | $157,500 |
| Irving, TX | 1,021 | $124,808 |
| San Francisco, CA | 1,016 | $156,959 |
| Austin, TX | 685 | $150,000 |
| Issaquah, WA | 563 | $142,740 |
Recent H-1B Filings at MICROSOFT
Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of MICROSOFT's 61,202 total certified filings.
| Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Redmond, WA | $191,692 | III | FY 2026 |
| Staff Software Engineer | New York, NY | $221,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Business Analytics | Redmond, WA | $175,904 | III | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Sunnyvale, CA | $148,740 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Customer Experience Engineering | Smyrna, GA | $189,337 | III | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Redmond, WA | $240,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Staff Software Engineer | Sunnyvale, CA | $264,514 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Redmond, WA | $166,320 | II | FY 2026 |
| Product Design | Redmond, WA | $215,000 | III | FY 2026 |
| Cloud Solution Architecture | Chicago, IL | $219,995 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Celina, TX | $141,923 | II | FY 2026 |
| Staff Software Engineer | Sunnyvale, CA | $212,505 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Redmond, WA | $180,710 | III | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Lewis Center, OH | $175,200 | III | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Redmond, WA | $188,534 | III | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Sunnyvale, CA | $148,740 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Staff Software Engineer | Sunnyvale, CA | $264,514 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Mountain View, CA | $235,007 | III | FY 2026 |
| Product Manager | Redmond, WA | $161,189 | II | FY 2026 |
| Customer Experience Engineering | Redmond, WA | $211,299 | IV | FY 2026 |
Data source: U.S. Department of Labor LCA Disclosure Files. Showing most recent certified filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about MICROSOFT H-1B Visas
What is the average H-1B salary at MICROSOFT?
The median H-1B salary at MICROSOFT is $156,000, based on 61,202 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 30% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at MICROSOFT reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $136,540 and senior positions reaching $198,600 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 MICROSOFT range from $122,000 at the 10th percentile to $198,600 at the 90th percentile, showing a $76,600 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $136,540 and the 75th percentile is $176,900.
Does MICROSOFT sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, MICROSOFT actively sponsors H-1B visas and has been a consistent participant in the H-1B program. They have filed 61,385 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. With 61,202 certified applications and a 0% denial rate, MICROSOFT 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), MICROSOFT filed 1,650 H-1B applications, with 1,650 certified and 0 denied. Over 7 years of data, MICROSOFT 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 MICROSOFT's H-1B approval rate?
MICROSOFT's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0%, with 16 out of 61,385 applications denied across all years. This translates to a 100.0% 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 MICROSOFT as a potential H-1B sponsor.
This is an excellent approval rate, indicating MICROSOFT 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 MICROSOFT sponsor for H-1B?
MICROSOFT sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 61,202 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 MICROSOFT most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.
Most common H-1B job titles at MICROSOFT:
The most frequently sponsored role is Software Engineer with 33,743 filings at a median salary of $154,350. This is followed by Senior Software Engineer (3,322 filings) and Program Manager.
Where are MICROSOFT's H-1B jobs located?
MICROSOFT'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 MICROSOFT sponsors H-1B workers can help candidates target specific offices and negotiate appropriate compensation for each market.
Top MICROSOFT H-1B locations:
Circle size indicates relative H-1B filing volume
The largest H-1B hub for MICROSOFT is Redmond, WA with 33,227 filings at a median salary of $158,000. The highest-paying location is Mountain View, CA at $176,805 median. Salaries range from $124,808 to $176,805 across office locations.
How have MICROSOFT's H-1B salaries changed over time?
MICROSOFT's median H-1B salary has increased by +28% from FY 2020 ($141,330) to FY 2026 ($180,710). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how MICROSOFT 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 MICROSOFT.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $150,000 (12,925 certified)
- FY 2023: $162,897 (8,666 certified)
- FY 2024: $161,490 (10,526 certified)
- FY 2025: $170,643 (10,118 certified)
- FY 2026: $180,710 (1,650 certified)
This 28% growth reflects strong compensation adjustments at MICROSOFT, keeping pace with market demands for H-1B talent.
What wage level does MICROSOFT use for H-1B?
MICROSOFT primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level II, accounting for 42% 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 MICROSOFT's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.
With 89% of positions at Level II or higher, MICROSOFT typically offers competitive wages above entry-level. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery.
How does MICROSOFT's H-1B salary compare to other employers?
MICROSOFT's median H-1B salary of $156,000 is 30% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000 across all employers and industries. This comparison provides context for evaluating MICROSOFT'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 MICROSOFT's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.
This places MICROSOFT among the higher-paying H-1B sponsors in the industry. Candidates considering H-1B sponsorship should weigh this competitive compensation alongside other factors like role growth, location, and visa processing track record.
How do new H-1B fees and rules affect MICROSOFT's sponsorship?
Recent H-1B rule changes have increased filing fees and introduced wage-level prioritization in the lottery. MICROSOFT files 11% of positions at Level I, which may face more lottery competition under wage-level prioritization rules.
With 61,202 certified filings, MICROSOFT invests significantly in H-1B sponsorship. The company's 0% 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 MICROSOFT
Employers with similar H-1B salary ranges and filing volumes.