Distinguished Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 149 certified H-1B filings for Distinguished Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $205,000, which is 57% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Distinguished Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $163,300 and $265,447.
Median Salary Trend
Distinguished Engineer salaries have grown -12% from FY 2020 ($237,938) to FY 2026 ($208,800).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Distinguished Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| CAPITAL ONE SERVICES | 50 | $165,173 |
| NVIDIA | 8 | $308,000 |
| PALO ALTO NETWORKS | 5 | $278,212 |
| UBER TECHNOLOGIES | 5 | $353,300 |
| CITIZENS FINANCIAL GROUP | 5 | $173,120 |
| CISCO | 4 | $267,600 |
| MEDTRONIC | 3 | $140,858 |
| IBM | 3 | $188,760 |
| SONICWALL | 3 | $205,000 |
| COMMVAULT SYSTEMS | 3 | $220,000 |
Top Locations for Distinguished Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | 16 | $282,522 |
| Mclean, VA | 15 | $173,763 |
| Richmond, VA | 15 | $144,976 |
| San Jose, CA | 13 | $260,000 |
| Plano, TX | 11 | $149,781 |
| New York, NY | 9 | $287,800 |
| San Francisco, CA | 6 | $353,300 |
| Mountain View, CA | 5 | $237,938 |
| Milpitas, CA | 5 | $230,000 |
| Round Rock, TX | 4 | $229,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Distinguished Engineer is $205,000, based on 149 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 57% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown -12% since FY 2020 ($237,938 → $208,800).
Salaries span a $180,682 range from the 10th percentile ($139,318) to the 90th percentile ($320,000). The middle 50% of Distinguished Engineers earn between $163,300 and $265,447, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
CAPITAL ONE SERVICES is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 50 certified filings at a median salary of $165,173. Among the top sponsors, UBER TECHNOLOGIES pays the highest median at $353,300. The pay spread across top employers is 151%.
Geographically, Santa Clara, CA has the highest concentration of Distinguished Engineer H-1B filings (16) at a median of $282,522. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $353,300.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Distinguished Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Distinguished Engineer positions is $205,000, based on 149 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 57% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $265,447 to $320,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $139,318 to $163,300. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $139,318
- 25th percentile
- $163,300
- Median
- $205,000
- 75th percentile
- $265,447
- 90th percentile
- $320,000
Salaries range from $139,318 at the 10th percentile to $320,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $180,682 spread. The 25th percentile is $163,300 and the 75th percentile is $265,447.
Which companies hire the most Distinguished Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Distinguished 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.
CAPITAL ONE SERVICES is the largest H-1B sponsor for Distinguished Engineer positions with 50 filings at a median salary of $165,173. NVIDIA follows with 8 filings.
Where are Distinguished Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Distinguished 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 Distinguished 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.
Santa Clara, CA has the highest concentration of Distinguished Engineer H-1B filings with 16 positions at a median salary of $282,522.
How have Distinguished Engineer salaries changed over time?
Distinguished Engineer H-1B salaries have changed by -12% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $237,938 to $208,800 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: $197,933 (31 certified)
- FY 2023: $192,941 (25 certified)
- FY 2024: $173,763 (27 certified)
- FY 2025: $239,900 (33 certified)
- FY 2026: $208,800 (17 certified)