Designer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 171 certified H-1B filings for Designer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $64,584, which is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Designer I H-1B salaries fall between $57,949 and $71,500.
Median Salary Trend
Designer I salaries have grown 35% from FY 2020 ($53,230) to FY 2026 ($72,093).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Designer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| PERKINS EASTMAN ARCHITECTS DPC | 37 | $66,660 |
| PERKINS & WILL | 29 | $55,890 |
| SITE DESIGN GROUP | 20 | $72,000 |
| AMAZON | 15 | $72,000 |
| KARA MANN DESIGN | 7 | $42,000 |
| ARCHITECTS | 7 | $64,250 |
| TANEY ENGINEERING | 5 | $65,000 |
| ALFRED BENESCH & | 3 | $73,840 |
| PERKINS&WILL | 3 | $62,000 |
| FABRIC.COM | 2 | $69,400 |
Top Locations for Designer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 43 | $61,230 |
| New York, NY | 21 | $66,660 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 16 | $67,454 |
| Seattle, WA | 14 | $63,050 |
| Boston, MA | 11 | $55,744 |
| San Francisco, CA | 7 | $71,500 |
| Dallas, TX | 7 | $60,940 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 5 | $65,000 |
| Santa Monica, CA | 4 | $64,500 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 3 | $62,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Designer I is $64,584, based on 171 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 35% since FY 2020 ($53,230 → $72,093).
Salaries span a $27,570 range from the 10th percentile ($49,570) to the 90th percentile ($77,140). The middle 50% of Designer Is earn between $57,949 and $71,500, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
PERKINS EASTMAN ARCHITECTS DPC is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 37 certified filings at a median salary of $66,660. Among the top sponsors, ALFRED BENESCH & pays the highest median at $73,840. The pay spread across top employers is 76%.
Geographically, Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of Designer I H-1B filings (43) at a median of $61,230. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $71,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Designer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Designer I positions is $64,584, based on 171 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 49% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $71,500 to $77,140, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $49,570 to $57,949. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $49,570
- 25th percentile
- $57,949
- Median
- $64,584
- 75th percentile
- $71,500
- 90th percentile
- $77,140
Salaries range from $49,570 at the 10th percentile to $77,140 at the 90th percentile, showing a $27,570 spread. The 25th percentile is $57,949 and the 75th percentile is $71,500.
Which companies hire the most Designer Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Designer 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.
PERKINS EASTMAN ARCHITECTS DPC is the largest H-1B sponsor for Designer I positions with 37 filings at a median salary of $66,660. PERKINS & WILL follows with 29 filings.
Where are Designer I H-1B jobs located?
Designer 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 Designer 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.
Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of Designer I H-1B filings with 43 positions at a median salary of $61,230. The highest-paying location is Los Angeles, CA at $67,454 median.
How have Designer I salaries changed over time?
Designer I H-1B salaries have grown by +35% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $53,230 to $72,093 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: $63,960 (19 certified)
- FY 2023: $65,470 (44 certified)
- FY 2024: $66,300 (22 certified)
- FY 2025: $69,060 (26 certified)
- FY 2026: $72,093 (20 certified)