Engineer 2 H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 482 certified H-1B filings for Engineer 2 positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $135,960, which is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Engineer 2 H-1B salaries fall between $125,000 and $145,000.
Median Salary Trend
Engineer 2 salaries have grown 22% from FY 2020 ($126,896) to FY 2026 ($155,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Engineer 2
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| NORDSTROM | 362 | $139,080 |
| MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES | 17 | $132,900 |
| SAMSUNG AUSTIN SEMICONDUCTOR | 16 | $105,000 |
| POCKET GEMS | 7 | $160,194 |
| DELOITTE | 6 | $115,000 |
| KIEWIT INFRASTRUCTURE | 5 | $101,140 |
| KIEWIT POWER CONSTRUCTORS | 4 | $80,662 |
| PENNEY OPCO | 4 | $127,878 |
| SSOE . D/B/A SSOE GROUP | 4 | $71,094 |
| TECHNIPFMC USA | 3 | $84,525 |
Top Locations for Engineer 2
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 323 | $139,084 |
| Austin, TX | 20 | $105,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 16 | $138,450 |
| Atlanta, GA | 13 | $128,800 |
| San Francisco, CA | 8 | $160,194 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 8 | $87,651 |
| Chicago, IL | 7 | $132,900 |
| Houston, TX | 6 | $98,405 |
| New York, NY | 5 | $145,500 |
| Frisco, TX | 4 | $139,259 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Engineer 2 is $135,960, based on 482 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 22% since FY 2020 ($126,896 → $155,000).
Salaries span a $60,000 range from the 10th percentile ($95,000) to the 90th percentile ($155,000). The middle 50% of Engineer 2s earn between $125,000 and $145,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
NORDSTROM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 362 certified filings at a median salary of $139,080. Among the top sponsors, POCKET GEMS pays the highest median at $160,194. The pay spread across top employers is 125%.
Geographically, Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Engineer 2 H-1B filings (323) at a median of $139,084. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $160,194.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Engineer 2 H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Engineer 2 positions is $135,960, based on 482 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $145,000 to $155,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $95,000 to $125,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $95,000
- 25th percentile
- $125,000
- Median
- $135,960
- 75th percentile
- $145,000
- 90th percentile
- $155,000
Salaries range from $95,000 at the 10th percentile to $155,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $60,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $125,000 and the 75th percentile is $145,000.
Which companies hire the most Engineer 2s on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Engineer 2 roles includes both technology companies hiring directly and IT consulting firms that place workers at client sites. Direct-hire positions at tech companies often offer higher base salaries and equity packages, while consulting roles provide diverse project experience across industries.
NORDSTROM is the largest H-1B sponsor for Engineer 2 positions with 362 filings at a median salary of $139,080. MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES follows with 17 filings.
Where are Engineer 2 H-1B jobs located?
Engineer 2 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 Engineer 2s 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 Engineer 2 H-1B filings with 323 positions at a median salary of $139,084. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $160,194 median.
How have Engineer 2 salaries changed over time?
Engineer 2 H-1B salaries have grown by +22% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $126,896 to $155,000 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: $132,080 (129 certified)
- FY 2023: $140,000 (62 certified)
- FY 2024: $140,719 (84 certified)
- FY 2025: $143,917 (68 certified)
- FY 2026: $155,000 (6 certified)