Chemical Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 8,232 certified H-1B filings for Chemical Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $98,925, which is 24% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Chemical Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $85,000 and $118,000.
Median Salary Trend
Chemical Engineer salaries have grown 38% from FY 2020 ($85,800) to FY 2026 ($118,559).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Chemical Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| INTEL | 3,655 | $103,334 |
| LAM RESEARCH | 376 | $120,640 |
| APPLIED MATERIALS | 215 | $135,257 |
| TESLA | 192 | $102,705 |
| APPLIED MATERIALS | 163 | $139,230 |
| MICRON | 136 | $94,000 |
| L&T TECHNOLOGY SERVICES | 91 | $86,356 |
| RIVIAN AUTOMOTIVE | 85 | $90,500 |
| TSMC ARIZONA | 64 | $104,000 |
| GENERAL MOTORS | 27 | $106,589 |
Top Locations for Chemical Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsboro, OR (all jobs) | 2,870 | $99,791 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 412 | $133,765 |
| Fremont, CA (all jobs) | 362 | $120,000 |
| Chandler, AZ (all jobs) | 319 | $97,677 |
| Rio Rancho, NM (all jobs) | 315 | $105,227 |
| Houston, TX (all jobs) | 122 | $97,000 |
| Boise, ID (all jobs) | 89 | $96,000 |
| Tualatin, OR (all jobs) | 89 | $112,757 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 81 | $140,000 |
| Normal, IL (all jobs) | 81 | $90,100 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Chemical Engineer is $98,925, based on 8,232 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 24% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 38% since FY 2020 ($85,800 → $118,559).
Salaries span a $55,084 range from the 10th percentile ($75,207) to the 90th percentile ($130,291). The middle 50% of Chemical Engineers earn between $85,000 and $118,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
INTEL is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 3,655 certified filings at a median salary of $103,334. Among the top sponsors, APPLIED MATERIALS pays the highest median at $139,230. The pay spread across top employers is 61%.
Geographically, Hillsboro, OR has the highest concentration of Chemical Engineer H-1B filings (2,870) at a median of $99,791. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Sunnyvale, CA at $140,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chemical Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Chemical Engineer positions is $98,925, based on 8,232 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 24% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $118,000 to $130,291, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $75,207 to $85,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $75,207
- 25th percentile
- $85,000
- Median
- $98,925
- 75th percentile
- $118,000
- 90th percentile
- $130,291
Salaries range from $75,207 at the 10th percentile to $130,291 at the 90th percentile, showing a $55,084 spread. The 25th percentile is $85,000 and the 75th percentile is $118,000.
Which companies hire the most Chemical Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Chemical Engineer positions spans various industries and employer types. The top sponsors reflect where demand for this role is highest, with compensation varying based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger employers often have established visa sponsorship programs and immigration support.
INTEL is the largest H-1B sponsor for Chemical Engineer positions with 3,655 filings at a median salary of $103,334. LAM RESEARCH follows with 376 filings.
Where are Chemical Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Chemical Engineer 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 Chemical Engineers 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.
Hillsboro, OR has the highest concentration of Chemical Engineer H-1B filings with 2,870 positions at a median salary of $99,791. The highest-paying location is Santa Clara, CA at $133,765 median.
How have Chemical Engineer salaries changed over time?
Chemical Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +38% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $85,800 to $118,559 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: $98,925 (1,557 certified)
- FY 2023: $106,988 (1,286 certified)
- FY 2024: $109,512 (1,529 certified)
- FY 2025: $109,372 (1,646 certified)
- FY 2026: $118,559 (120 certified)