TESLA H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data
Yes, TESLA sponsors H-1B visas. In FY 2026, TESLA filed 1,033 H-1B labor condition applications (990 certified) with a median salary of $157,700. Across FY 2020–2026, TESLA has filed 10,339 total H-1B applications with 10,036 certified and a lifetime median salary of $141,000, which is 18% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000.
FY 2026 Q1: 291 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.
TESLA certified 291 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 208 certified filings per Q1, so this quarter came in 40% above the historical norm.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (411 certified), FY 2026 Q1 is down 29%. The 6-year Q1 range runs from 100 (low) to 411 (peak in FY 2025).
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 TESLA.
Salary Analysis
Salary Range
- 10th percentile: $102,750
- 25th percentile: $120,000
- Median: $141,000
- 75th percentile: $166,978
- 90th percentile: $195,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 484 (7%)
- Level II (Qualified): 2,350 (36%)
- Level III (Experienced): 2,388 (36%)
- Level IV (Expert): 1,351 (21%)
Trend (2020-2026)
- Starting median: $125,000
- Current median: $157,700
- Growth: +26%
Salary & Hiring Visualizations
Salary Distribution
Distribution of H-1B salaries at TESLA
TESLA's H-1B salaries range from $102,750 to $195,000 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $141,000. This is 18% above the national H-1B median.
Wage Level Distribution
DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority
TESLA files 93% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery, giving TESLA candidates a competitive advantage.
Median Salary Trend
Year-over-year salary changes
TESLA's median H-1B salary increased by +26% from FY 2020 ($125,000) to FY 2026 ($157,700). This strong growth reflects competitive compensation adjustments.
H-1B Filings by Year
Annual hiring activity through H-1B program
TESLA's H-1B filings grew by +38% from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This indicates significant expansion of their H-1B workforce.
Salary by Job Title
Top roles by filing volume, showing salary distribution
The highest-volume H-1B role at TESLA is Senior Software Engineer with 758 filings at $167,000 median salary.
Salary by Location
Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)
TESLA's largest H-1B hub is Fremont, CA with 3,981 filings. The highest-paying location is Palo Alto, CA at $159,240 median.
Highest Paying H-1B Roles at TESLA
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 TESLA, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Staff Software Engineer at $200,880 median, which is 42% above the company's overall H-1B median of $141,000.
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.
Staff Software Engineer
439 H-1B filings at TESLA
Senior Software Engineer
758 H-1B filings at TESLA
Mechanical Design Engineer
223 H-1B filings at TESLA
Salary data based on 10,036 certified H-1B labor condition applications at TESLA. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.
Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at TESLA
Actual filed salaries — These are the 10 highest individual H-1B salary filings at TESLA, representing specific positions (not aggregated medians). These may include executive, highly specialized, or senior leadership roles.
The highest H-1B salary filed at TESLA was $380,000 for a Staff Silicon Design Engineer position in Palo Alto, CA (FY2026). This is 170% 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 TESLA—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 | Staff Silicon Design Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $380,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| 2 | Staff Silicon Design Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $380,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| 3 | Staff Silicon Design Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $360,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| 4 | Senior Machine Learning Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $316,500 | III | FY 2025 |
| 5 | Principal Mechanical Design Engineer | Pleasanton, CA | $311,634 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 6 | Principal Mechanical Design Engineer | Fremont, CA | $311,634 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 7 | Software Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $300,000 | IV | FY 2023 |
| 8 | Sr. Staff Soc Validation And Bringup Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $300,000 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 9 | Staff Machine Learning Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $300,000 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 10 | Staff Machine Learning Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $300,000 | IV | FY 2025 |
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 TESLA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Software Engineer | 758 | $167,000 |
| Software Engineer | 561 | $142,649 |
| Staff Software Engineer | 439 | $200,880 |
| Senior QA Engineer | 402 | $137,020 |
| QA Engineer | 279 | $114,125 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer | 223 | $120,000 |
H-1B Locations for TESLA
| Location | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Fremont, CA | 3,981 | $143,275 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 2,180 | $159,240 |
| Austin, TX | 1,503 | $130,625 |
| Sparks, NV | 844 | $110,000 |
| Lathrop, CA | 235 | $115,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 135 | $162,804 |
| Buffalo, NY | 104 | $102,500 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 85 | $149,350 |
| Bellevue, WA | 80 | $162,081 |
| Milpitas, CA | 64 | $157,200 |
Recent H-1B Filings at TESLA
Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of TESLA's 10,036 total certified filings.
| Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Project Manager | Hayward, CA | $175,000 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Senior Data Engineer | Fremont, CA | $171,149 | II | FY 2026 |
| Sr Analyst | Fremont, CA | $162,000 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| QA Engineer | Buffalo, NY | $110,000 | II | FY 2026 |
| Staff Data Engineer | Fremont, CA | $250,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| QA Engineer | Sparks, NV | $140,000 | III | FY 2026 |
| Associate Mechanical Design Engineer | Fremont, CA | $127,000 | I | FY 2026 |
| QA Engineer | Brookshire, TX | $130,000 | III | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $215,000 | II | FY 2026 |
| Mgr Technical Programs | Austin, TX | $192,760 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Fremont, CA | $186,000 | II | FY 2026 |
| Systems Engineer | Austin, TX | $138,564 | II | FY 2026 |
| Sr Manufacturing Engineer | Fremont, CA | $180,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Manufacturing Engineer | Sparks, NV | $134,940 | II | FY 2026 |
| Associate Software Applications Engineer | Austin, TX | $104,220 | I | FY 2026 |
| Sr Manufacturing Controls Engineer | Fremont, CA | $159,676 | III | FY 2026 |
| Sourcing Engineer | Palo Alto, CA | $127,000 | II | FY 2026 |
| Senior QA Engineer | Fremont, CA | $177,436 | III | FY 2026 |
| QA Engineer | Sparks, NV | $140,000 | III | FY 2026 |
| Mgr Manufacturing Engineering | Austin, TX | $185,283 | III | FY 2026 |
Data source: U.S. Department of Labor LCA Disclosure Files. Showing most recent certified filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about TESLA H-1B Visas
What is the average H-1B salary at TESLA?
The median H-1B salary at TESLA is $141,000, based on 10,036 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 18% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at TESLA reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $120,000 and senior positions reaching $195,000 or higher. These figures represent base salaries in LCA filings and may not include bonuses, equity grants, or other compensation common at large employers.
Salaries at TESLA range from $102,750 at the 10th percentile to $195,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $92,250 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $120,000 and the 75th percentile is $166,978.
Does TESLA sponsor H-1B visas in 2026?
Yes, TESLA actively sponsors H-1B visas in FY 2026. In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), TESLA filed 1,033 H-1B labor condition applications with 990 certified and 2 denied, at a median salary of $157,700. Across FY 2020–2026, they have filed 10,339 total H-1B applications with 10,036 certified and a 0.1% lifetime denial rate, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. TESLA 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), TESLA filed 1,033 H-1B applications, with 990 certified and 2 denied. Over 7 years of data, TESLA 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 TESLA's H-1B approval rate?
TESLA's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0.1%, with 13 out of 10,339 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 TESLA as a potential H-1B sponsor.
This is an excellent approval rate, indicating TESLA 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 TESLA sponsor for H-1B?
TESLA sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 10,036 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 TESLA most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.
Most common H-1B job titles at TESLA:
The most frequently sponsored role is Senior Software Engineer with 758 filings at a median salary of $167,000. This is followed by Software Engineer (561 filings) and Staff Software Engineer.
Where are TESLA's H-1B jobs located?
TESLA'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 TESLA sponsors H-1B workers can help candidates target specific offices and negotiate appropriate compensation for each market.
Top TESLA H-1B locations:
Circle size indicates relative H-1B filing volume
The largest H-1B hub for TESLA is Fremont, CA with 3,981 filings at a median salary of $143,275. The highest-paying location is San Jose, CA at $162,804 median. Salaries range from $102,500 to $162,804 across office locations.
How have TESLA's H-1B salaries changed over time?
TESLA's median H-1B salary has increased by +26% from FY 2020 ($125,000) to FY 2026 ($157,700). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how TESLA 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 TESLA.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $135,000 (1,231 certified)
- FY 2023: $140,733 (1,301 certified)
- FY 2024: $145,000 (2,075 certified)
- FY 2025: $150,000 (2,622 certified)
- FY 2026: $157,700 (990 certified)
This 26% growth reflects strong compensation adjustments at TESLA, keeping pace with market demands for H-1B talent.
What wage level does TESLA use for H-1B?
TESLA primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level III, accounting for 36% 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 TESLA's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.
With 93% of positions at Level II or higher, TESLA typically offers competitive wages above entry-level. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery.
How does TESLA's H-1B salary compare to other employers?
TESLA's median H-1B salary of $141,000 is 18% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000 across all employers and industries. This comparison provides context for evaluating TESLA'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 TESLA's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.
TESLA offers above-average H-1B compensation. Combined with their 10,036 certified filings and 0.1% denial rate, they demonstrate solid H-1B sponsorship practices.
How do new H-1B fees and rules affect TESLA's sponsorship?
Recent H-1B rule changes have increased filing fees and introduced wage-level prioritization in the lottery. TESLA's higher proportion of Level III-IV positions (57%) may benefit from wage-based lottery prioritization.
With 10,036 certified filings, TESLA 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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