QUALCOMM H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data
Including: QUALCOMM TECHNOLOGIES, QUALCOMM TECHNOLOGIES,
Yes, QUALCOMM sponsors H-1B visas. In FY 2026, QUALCOMM filed 809 H-1B labor condition applications (807 certified) with a median salary of $153,537. Across FY 2020–2026, QUALCOMM has filed 13,563 total H-1B applications with 13,332 certified and a lifetime median salary of $126,464, which is 5% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000.
FY 2026 Q1: 309 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.
FY 2020–2025 Q1 range 6-year Q1 average
Did pay change after the fee?
The median salary on QUALCOMM's certified LCAs was $154,000 in FY 2026 Q1, versus $143,187 in FY 2025 Q1 (up 8%).
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.
QUALCOMM certified 309 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 374 certified filings per Q1, so this quarter came in 17% below the historical norm.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (381 certified), FY 2026 Q1 is down 19%. The 6-year Q1 range runs from 122 (low) to 602 (peak in FY 2023).
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 QUALCOMM.
Salary Analysis
Salary Range
- 10th percentile: $101,109
- 25th percentile: $111,322
- Median: $126,464
- 75th percentile: $148,866
- 90th percentile: $172,245
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 89 (1%)
- Level II (Qualified): 6,353 (53%)
- Level III (Experienced): 3,264 (27%)
- Level IV (Expert): 2,199 (18%)
Trend (2020-2026)
- Starting median: $117,021
- Current median: $153,537
- Growth: +31%
Salary & Hiring Visualizations
Salary Distribution
Distribution of H-1B salaries at QUALCOMM
QUALCOMM's H-1B salaries range from $101,109 to $172,245 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $126,464. This is 5% above the national H-1B median.
Wage Level Distribution
DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority
QUALCOMM files 99% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery, giving QUALCOMM candidates a competitive advantage.
Median Salary Trend
Year-over-year salary changes
QUALCOMM's median H-1B salary increased by +31% from FY 2020 ($117,021) to FY 2026 ($153,537). This strong growth reflects competitive compensation adjustments.
H-1B Filings by Year
Annual hiring activity through H-1B program
QUALCOMM's H-1B filings changed by -26% 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: shape of all filings, middle 50% box, median tick
The highest-volume H-1B role at QUALCOMM is Staff Software Engineer with 1,167 filings at $145,395 median salary.
Salary by Location
Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)
QUALCOMM's largest H-1B hub is San Diego, CA with 8,928 filings. The highest-paying location is Santa Clara, CA at $151,091 median.
Highest Paying H-1B Roles at QUALCOMM
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 QUALCOMM's most common H-1B job titles, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Staff Software Engineer at $145,395 median, which is 15% above the company's overall H-1B median of $126,464.
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
Staff Software Engineer
1,167 H-1B filings at QUALCOMM
Staff Asics Engineer
441 H-1B filings at QUALCOMM
Senior Software Engineer
957 H-1B filings at QUALCOMM
Senior QA Engineer
436 H-1B filings at QUALCOMM
Software Engineer
734 H-1B filings at QUALCOMM
Senior Asics Engineer
535 H-1B filings at QUALCOMM
Salary data based on 13,332 certified H-1B labor condition applications at QUALCOMM. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.
Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at QUALCOMM
Actual filed salaries — These are the 10 highest individual H-1B salary filings at QUALCOMM, representing specific positions (not aggregated medians). These may include executive, highly specialized, or senior leadership roles.
The highest H-1B salary filed at QUALCOMM was $326,050 for a Senior Director, Cpu Engineering position in Santa Clara, CA (FY2026). This is 158% 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 QUALCOMM—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 | Senior Director, Cpu Engineering | Santa Clara, CA | $326,050 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| 2 | Senior Director, Mobile Chipset Pe, Mdm & Msm | San Diego, CA | $293,784 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| 3 | Director, Cpu Engineering | Santa Clara, CA | $293,073 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| 4 | Director, Cpu Engineering | Santa Clara, CA | $292,145 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| 5 | Senior Director, Multimedia Systems Technology | San Diego, CA | $277,439 | N/A | FY 2024 |
| 6 | Senior Director Mobile Chipset Pe, Mdm & Msm Engineer | San Diego, CA | $277,439 | N/A | FY 2024 |
| 7 | Senior Director, Multimedia Systems Technology | San Diego, CA | $276,300 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 8 | Senior Director, Mobile Chipset Pe, Mdm & Msm Engineering | San Diego, CA | $276,300 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 9 | Senior Director, Camera Engineering | San Diego, CA | $276,300 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 10 | Director, Cpu Engineering | Santa Clara, CA | $273,019 | N/A | FY 2023 |
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 QUALCOMM
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Software Engineer | 1,167 | $145,395 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 957 | $114,500 |
| Software Engineer | 734 | $109,635 |
| Senior Asics Engineer | 535 | $108,930 |
| Staff Asics Engineer | 441 | $134,500 |
| Senior QA Engineer | 436 | $111,322 |
H-1B Locations for QUALCOMM
| Location | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | 8,928 | $121,597 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 1,251 | $151,091 |
| Austin, TX | 730 | $130,894 |
| San Jose, CA | 378 | $140,300 |
| Boulder, CO | 208 | $112,500 |
| Boxborough, MA | 118 | $119,500 |
| Bridgewater, NJ | 86 | $122,221 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 86 | $133,000 |
| Irvine, CA | 65 | $112,500 |
| Chandler, AZ | 63 | $119,400 |
Recent H-1B Filings at QUALCOMM
Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of QUALCOMM's 13,332 total certified filings.
| Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Staff Software Applications Engineer | San Diego, CA | $168,310 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Staff Dsp Architecture And Design Engineer | San Diego, CA | $154,000 | III | FY 2026 |
| Principal Hardware Applications Engineer | Novi, MI | $148,300 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Software Engineer | San Diego, CA | $130,187 | II | FY 2026 |
| Staff Machine Learning Researcher Engineer | San Diego, CA | $179,000 | III | FY 2026 |
| Staff QA Engineer | San Diego, CA | $154,860 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Senior Staff Cpu Engineer | Austin, TX | $179,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Systems Engineer | San Diego, CA | $128,898 | II | FY 2026 |
| Senior Gpu Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $156,853 | II | FY 2026 |
| Staff Asics Engineer | San Diego, CA | $152,506 | III | FY 2026 |
| Staff Machine Learning Researcher Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $226,138 | III | FY 2026 |
| Staff Systems Engineer | San Diego, CA | $179,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Packaging Engineer | San Diego, CA | $128,898 | II | FY 2026 |
| Hardware Applications Engineer | San Diego, CA | $113,420 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Staff QA Engineer | San Diego, CA | $157,581 | III | FY 2026 |
| Staff Dsp Architecture And Design Engineer | San Diego, CA | $154,000 | III | FY 2026 |
| Senior Modem Technologies Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $139,495 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Senior Machine Learning Engineer | Folsom, CA | $140,800 | II | FY 2026 |
| Senior Staff Gpu Engineer | San Diego, CA | $195,200 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Analog Mixed Signal Design Engineer | San Diego, CA | $128,898 | II | FY 2026 |
Data source: U.S. Department of Labor LCA Disclosure Files. Showing most recent certified filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about QUALCOMM H-1B Visas
What is the average H-1B salary at QUALCOMM?
The median H-1B salary at QUALCOMM is $126,464, based on 13,332 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 5% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at QUALCOMM reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $111,322 and senior positions reaching $172,245 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 QUALCOMM range from $101,109 at the 10th percentile to $172,245 at the 90th percentile, showing a $71,136 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $111,322 and the 75th percentile is $148,866.
Does QUALCOMM sponsor H-1B visas in 2026?
Yes, QUALCOMM actively sponsors H-1B visas in FY 2026. In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), QUALCOMM filed 809 H-1B labor condition applications with 807 certified and 0 denied, at a median salary of $153,537. Across FY 2020–2026, they have filed 13,563 total H-1B applications with 13,332 certified and a 0.1% lifetime denial rate, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. QUALCOMM 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), QUALCOMM filed 809 H-1B applications, with 807 certified and 0 denied. Over 7 years of data, QUALCOMM 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 QUALCOMM's H-1B approval rate?
QUALCOMM's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0.1%, with 7 out of 13,563 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 QUALCOMM as a potential H-1B sponsor.
This is an excellent approval rate, indicating QUALCOMM 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 QUALCOMM sponsor for H-1B?
QUALCOMM sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 13,332 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 QUALCOMM most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.
Most common H-1B job titles at QUALCOMM:
The most frequently sponsored role is Staff Software Engineer with 1,167 filings at a median salary of $145,395. This is followed by Senior Software Engineer (957 filings) and Software Engineer.
Where are QUALCOMM's H-1B jobs located?
QUALCOMM'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 QUALCOMM sponsors H-1B workers can help candidates target specific offices and negotiate appropriate compensation for each market.
Top QUALCOMM H-1B locations:
Circle size indicates relative H-1B filing volume
The largest H-1B hub for QUALCOMM is San Diego, CA with 8,928 filings at a median salary of $121,597. The highest-paying location is Santa Clara, CA at $151,091 median. Salaries range from $112,500 to $151,091 across office locations.
How have QUALCOMM's H-1B salaries changed over time?
QUALCOMM's median H-1B salary has increased by +31% from FY 2020 ($117,021) to FY 2026 ($153,537). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how QUALCOMM 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 QUALCOMM.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $120,224 (2,637 certified)
- FY 2023: $126,000 (3,025 certified)
- FY 2024: $123,000 (1,851 certified)
- FY 2025: $133,600 (1,930 certified)
- FY 2026: $153,537 (807 certified)
This 31% growth reflects strong compensation adjustments at QUALCOMM, keeping pace with market demands for H-1B talent.
What wage level does QUALCOMM use for H-1B?
QUALCOMM primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level II, accounting for 53% 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 QUALCOMM's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.
With 99% of positions at Level II or higher, QUALCOMM typically offers competitive wages above entry-level. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery.
How does QUALCOMM's H-1B salary compare to other employers?
QUALCOMM's median H-1B salary of $126,464 is 5% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000 across all employers and industries. This comparison provides context for evaluating QUALCOMM'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 QUALCOMM's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.
QUALCOMM offers above-average H-1B compensation. Combined with their 13,332 certified filings and 0.1% denial rate, they demonstrate solid H-1B sponsorship practices.
How do new H-1B fees and rules affect QUALCOMM's sponsorship?
Recent H-1B rule changes have increased filing fees and introduced wage-level prioritization in the lottery. QUALCOMM files 1% of positions at Level I, which may face more lottery competition under wage-level prioritization rules.
With 13,332 certified filings, QUALCOMM 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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