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TESLA H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data

TESLA has filed 9,605 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, with 9,333 certified. The median H-1B salary at TESLA is $140,000, which is 17% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000.

9,333
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$140,000
Median Salary
+17% vs national
0.1%
Denial Rate
11 denied of 9,605
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis

Salary Range

  • 10th percentile: $102,000
  • 25th percentile: $120,000
  • Median: $140,000
  • 75th percentile: $165,026
  • 90th percentile: $192,862

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 475 (8%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 2,102 (35%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 2,139 (36%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 1,226 (21%)

Trend (2020-2026)

  • Starting median: $125,000
  • Current median: $156,611
  • Growth: +25%

Salary & Hiring Visualizations

Salary Distribution

Distribution of H-1B salaries at TESLA

TESLA's H-1B salaries range from $102,000 to $192,862 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $140,000. This is 17% above the national H-1B median.

Wage Level Distribution

DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority

TESLA files 92% 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 +25% from FY 2020 ($125,000) to FY 2026 ($156,611). This strong growth reflects competitive compensation adjustments.

H-1B Filings by Year

Annual hiring activity through H-1B program

TESLA's H-1B filings changed by -60% 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

QA Engineer (257)
$112K
Senior QA Engineer (382)
$136K
Software Engineer (545)
$141K
Senior Software Engineer (716)
$166K
Staff Software Engineer (413)
$200K
$50K $125K $200K $300K+

The highest-volume H-1B role at TESLA is Senior Software Engineer with 716 filings at $165,911 median salary.

Salary by Location

Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)

Sparks, NV (752)
$110K
Lathrop, CA (222)
$115K
Austin, TX (1,396)
$130K
Fremont, CA (3,723)
$141K
Palo Alto, CA (2,015)
$155K
$50K $125K $200K $300K+

TESLA's largest H-1B hub is Fremont, CA with 3,723 filings. The highest-paying location is Palo Alto, CA at $155,282 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 $200,000 median, which is 43% above the company's overall H-1B median of $140,000.

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

Staff Software Engineer

413 H-1B filings at TESLA

$200,000
+43% vs company median
$50K-$75K: 0.0%
$75K-$100K: 0.0%
$100K-$125K: 0.0%
$125K-$150K: 0.0%
$150K-$175K: 1.2%
$175K-$200K: 9.9%
$200K-$225K: 36.6%
$225K-$250K: 31.7%
$250K-$275K: 13.3%
$275K-$300K: 7.3%
$300K-$325K: 0.0%
$50K $150K $250K $400K+
2

Senior Software Engineer

716 H-1B filings at TESLA

$165,911
+19% vs company median
$50K-$75K: 0.0%
$75K-$100K: 0.0%
$100K-$125K: 0.1%
$125K-$150K: 0.4%
$150K-$175K: 17.3%
$175K-$200K: 44.1%
$200K-$225K: 26.4%
$225K-$250K: 7.5%
$250K-$275K: 2.2%
$275K-$300K: 1.8%
$300K-$325K: 0.0%
$50K $150K $250K $400K+
3

Software Engineer

545 H-1B filings at TESLA

$140,535
+0% vs company median
$50K-$75K: 0.0%
$75K-$100K: 0.0%
$100K-$125K: 0.2%
$125K-$150K: 10.5%
$150K-$175K: 51.6%
$175K-$200K: 27.5%
$200K-$225K: 3.7%
$225K-$250K: 3.3%
$250K-$275K: 1.5%
$275K-$300K: 1.7%
$300K-$325K: 0.2%
$50K $150K $250K $400K+
4

Senior QA Engineer

382 H-1B filings at TESLA

$136,000
-3% vs company median
$50K-$75K: 0.0%
$75K-$100K: 0.0%
$100K-$125K: 0.3%
$125K-$150K: 27.7%
$150K-$175K: 51.6%
$175K-$200K: 19.1%
$200K-$225K: 1.3%
$225K-$250K: 0.0%
$250K-$275K: 0.0%
$275K-$300K: 0.0%
$300K-$325K: 0.0%
$50K $150K $250K $400K+
5

Mechanical Design Engineer

207 H-1B filings at TESLA

$120,000
-14% vs company median
$50K-$75K: 0.0%
$75K-$100K: 0.0%
$100K-$125K: 3.4%
$125K-$150K: 59.9%
$150K-$175K: 35.7%
$175K-$200K: 1.0%
$200K-$225K: 0.0%
$225K-$250K: 0.0%
$250K-$275K: 0.0%
$275K-$300K: 0.0%
$300K-$325K: 0.0%
$50K $150K $250K $400K+
6

QA Engineer

257 H-1B filings at TESLA

$112,200
-20% vs company median
$50K-$75K: 0.0%
$75K-$100K: 0.0%
$100K-$125K: 13.2%
$125K-$150K: 64.2%
$150K-$175K: 21.0%
$175K-$200K: 0.8%
$200K-$225K: 0.8%
$225K-$250K: 0.0%
$250K-$275K: 0.0%
$275K-$300K: 0.0%
$300K-$325K: 0.0%
$50K $150K $250K $400K+

Salary data based on 9,333 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 $316,500 for a Senior Machine Learning Engineer position in Palo Alto, CA (FY2025). This is 126% 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.

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 Machine Learning Engineer Palo Alto, CA $316,500 III FY 2025
2 Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Pleasanton, CA $311,634 IV FY 2025
3 Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Fremont, CA $311,634 IV FY 2025
4 Software Engineer Palo Alto, CA $300,000 IV FY 2023
5 Sr. Staff Soc Validation And Bringup Engineer Palo Alto, CA $300,000 IV FY 2025
6 Staff Machine Learning Engineer Palo Alto, CA $300,000 IV FY 2025
7 Staff Machine Learning Engineer Palo Alto, CA $300,000 IV FY 2025
8 Staff Software Engineer Palo Alto, CA $294,726 N/A FY 2024
9 Staff Software Engineer Palo Alto, CA $294,726 IV FY 2024
10 Staff Software Engineer Palo Alto, CA $290,000 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 TESLA

Job Title Filings Median Salary
Senior Software Engineer 716 $165,911
Software Engineer 545 $140,535
Staff Software Engineer 413 $200,000
Senior QA Engineer 382 $136,000
QA Engineer 257 $112,200
Mechanical Design Engineer 207 $120,000

H-1B Locations for TESLA

Location Filings Median Salary
Fremont, CA 3,723 $140,940
Palo Alto, CA 2,015 $155,282
Austin, TX 1,396 $130,000
Sparks, NV 752 $110,000
Lathrop, CA 222 $115,000
San Jose, CA 133 $163,620
Buffalo, NY 94 $100,940
Sunnyvale, CA 79 $147,949
Bellevue, WA 75 $157,500
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 9,333 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 $140,000, based on 9,333 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 17% 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 $192,862 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
$102,000 $140,000 $192,862

Salaries at TESLA range from $102,000 at the 10th percentile to $192,862 at the 90th percentile, showing a $90,862 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $120,000 and the 75th percentile is $165,026.

Does TESLA sponsor H-1B visas?

Yes, TESLA actively sponsors H-1B visas and has been a consistent participant in the H-1B program. They have filed 9,605 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. With 9,333 certified applications and a 0.1% denial rate, TESLA 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
22
23
24
25
26

In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), TESLA filed 299 H-1B applications, with 287 certified and 0 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 11 out of 9,605 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.

Approval vs Denial Rate
99.9% Certified
9,333 certified 11 denied

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 9,333 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:

Senior Software Engineer
$165,911
Software Engineer
$140,535
Staff Software Engineer
$200,000
Senior QA Engineer
$136,000
QA Engineer
$112,200

The most frequently sponsored role is Senior Software Engineer with 716 filings at a median salary of $165,911. This is followed by Software Engineer (545 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 3,723 filings at a median salary of $140,940. The highest-paying location is San Jose, CA at $163,620 median. Salaries range from $100,940 to $163,620 across office locations.

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

TESLA's median H-1B salary has increased by +25% from FY 2020 ($125,000) to FY 2026 ($156,611). 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.

Median Salary Trend
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

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: $156,611 (287 certified)

This 25% 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.

Wage Level Distribution
II
III
IV
I: 8% II: 35% III: 36% IV: 21%

With 92% 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 $140,000 is 17% 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.

vs National H-1B Median
TESLA
$140,000
National
$120,000
+17% above national median

TESLA offers above-average H-1B compensation. Combined with their 9,333 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?
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. TESLA's higher proportion of Level III-IV positions (57%) may benefit from wage-based lottery prioritization.

With 9,333 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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