Applications Programmer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 105 certified H-1B filings for Applications Programmer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $124,995, which is 4% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Applications Programmer H-1B salaries fall between $99,611 and $139,006.
Median Salary Trend
Applications Programmer salaries have grown -13% from FY 2020 ($120,000) to FY 2026 ($104,196).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Applications Programmer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | 28 | $136,700 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES | 23 | $130,632 |
| IBG | 12 | $145,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS | 9 | $105,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA BARBARA | 5 | $104,196 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO | 4 | $135,000 |
| BKFS I SERVICES | 3 | $76,000 |
| VALID MANAGEMENT | 2 | $92,685 |
| ICU MEDICAL | 2 | $131,325 |
| FAST N FRIENDLY | 2 | $42,474 |
Top Locations for Applications Programmer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Berkeley, CA | 21 | $134,374 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 15 | $116,041 |
| Greenwich, CT | 12 | $145,000 |
| Davis, CA | 9 | $105,000 |
| Oakland, CA | 8 | $150,372 |
| San Francisco, CA | 3 | $124,995 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 3 | $76,000 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 3 | $99,611 |
| Houston, TX | 2 | $92,685 |
| Baltimore, MD | 2 | $130,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Applications Programmer is $124,995, based on 105 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 4% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -13% since FY 2020 ($120,000 → $104,196).
Salaries span a $75,904 range from the 10th percentile ($76,100) to the 90th percentile ($152,004). The middle 50% of Applications Programmers earn between $99,611 and $139,006, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 28 certified filings at a median salary of $136,700. Among the top sponsors, IBG pays the highest median at $145,000. The pay spread across top employers is 241%.
Geographically, Berkeley, CA has the highest concentration of Applications Programmer H-1B filings (21) at a median of $134,374. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Oakland, CA at $150,372.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Applications Programmer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Applications Programmer positions is $124,995, based on 105 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 4% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $139,006 to $152,004, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $76,100 to $99,611. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $76,100
- 25th percentile
- $99,611
- Median
- $124,995
- 75th percentile
- $139,006
- 90th percentile
- $152,004
Salaries range from $76,100 at the 10th percentile to $152,004 at the 90th percentile, showing a $75,904 spread. The 25th percentile is $99,611 and the 75th percentile is $139,006.
Which companies hire the most Applications Programmers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Applications Programmer positions is primarily driven by universities, research institutions, and academic medical centers. These employers sponsor international scholars and researchers who bring specialized expertise and contribute to teaching, research, and academic programs. Salaries vary based on institution type, geographic location, and field of specialization.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Applications Programmer positions with 28 filings at a median salary of $136,700. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES follows with 23 filings.
Where are Applications Programmer H-1B jobs located?
Applications Programmer H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Applications Programmers across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
Berkeley, CA has the highest concentration of Applications Programmer H-1B filings with 21 positions at a median salary of $134,374. The highest-paying location is Oakland, CA at $150,372 median.
How have Applications Programmer salaries changed over time?
Applications Programmer H-1B salaries have changed by -13% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $120,000 to $104,196 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $130,000 (16 certified)
- FY 2023: $116,041 (20 certified)
- FY 2024: $146,388 (14 certified)
- FY 2025: $135,000 (26 certified)
- FY 2026: $104,196 (1 certified)