Data Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 1,394 certified H-1B filings for Data Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $117,666, which is 10% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Data Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $97,200 and $131,123.
Median Salary Trend
Data Engineer I salaries have grown 12% from FY 2020 ($110,000) to FY 2026 ($123,700).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Data Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AMAZON | 973 | $121,326 |
| UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION | 74 | $127,878 |
| AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE , S.I | 31 | $100,173 |
| AMAZON DATA SERVICES | 22 | $130,000 |
| USAA FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK | 21 | $120,000 |
| MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES | 17 | $125,000 |
| EOG RESOURCES | 12 | $105,000 |
| PAYPAL | 9 | $131,647 |
| AMAZON ADVERTISING | 7 | $122,560 |
| CATALINA MARKETING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 6 | $91,217 |
Top Locations for Data Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 456 | $120,000 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 120 | $125,400 |
| Dallas, TX (all jobs) | 60 | $120,000 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 56 | $116,100 |
| Plano, TX | 47 | $125,587 |
| New York, NY | 45 | $122,560 |
| Arlington, VA | 37 | $120,000 |
| San Antonio, TX | 32 | $125,000 |
| Madison, WI | 31 | $98,000 |
| Boston, MA | 29 | $105,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Data Engineer I is $117,666, based on 1,394 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 10% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 12% since FY 2020 ($110,000 → $123,700).
Salaries span a $70,000 range from the 10th percentile ($75,000) to the 90th percentile ($145,000). The middle 50% of Data Engineer Is earn between $97,200 and $131,123, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 973 certified filings at a median salary of $121,326. Among the top sponsors, PAYPAL pays the highest median at $131,647. The pay spread across top employers is 44%.
Geographically, Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Data Engineer I H-1B filings (456) at a median of $120,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Plano, TX at $125,587.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Data Engineer I positions is $117,666, based on 1,394 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 10% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $131,123 to $145,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $75,000 to $97,200. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $75,000
- 25th percentile
- $97,200
- Median
- $117,666
- 75th percentile
- $131,123
- 90th percentile
- $145,000
Salaries range from $75,000 at the 10th percentile to $145,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $70,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $97,200 and the 75th percentile is $131,123.
Which companies hire the most Data Engineer Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Data Engineer I 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.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for Data Engineer I positions with 973 filings at a median salary of $121,326. UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION follows with 74 filings.
Where are Data Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
Data Engineer I 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 Data Engineer Is 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.
Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Data Engineer I H-1B filings with 456 positions at a median salary of $120,000. The highest-paying location is Plano, TX at $125,587 median.
How have Data Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Data Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +12% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $110,000 to $123,700 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: $120,000 (331 certified)
- FY 2023: $110,000 (302 certified)
- FY 2024: $125,400 (194 certified)
- FY 2025: $127,878 (248 certified)
- FY 2026: $123,700 (16 certified)