Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 617 certified H-1B filings for Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $78,853, which is 40% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $70,000 and $90,792.
Median Salary Trend
Engineer I salaries have grown 17% from FY 2020 ($72,000) to FY 2026 ($84,500).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| SAMSUNG AUSTIN SEMICONDUCTOR | 50 | $86,466 |
| MUTUAL OF OMAHA INSURANCE | 32 | $105,000 |
| GBT US | 15 | $101,109 |
| PARSONS TRANSPORTATION GROUP | 15 | $82,160 |
| CHA CONSULTING | 15 | $74,256 |
| MODJESKI AND MASTERS | 13 | $64,085 |
| CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLY | 13 | $76,640 |
| ATKINS NORTH AMERICA | 11 | $65,728 |
| AIR WORLDWIDE | 11 | $100,000 |
| RUMMEL, KLEPPER & KAHL, LLP | 11 | $80,080 |
Top Locations for Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 58 | $84,947 |
| Omaha, NE | 21 | $101,936 |
| Houston, TX | 20 | $69,420 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 19 | $95,000 |
| New York, NY | 17 | $101,754 |
| Chicago, IL | 14 | $68,931 |
| Boston, MA | 14 | $105,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | 13 | $78,500 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 13 | $65,000 |
| Southfield, MI | 10 | $70,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Engineer I is $78,853, based on 617 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 40% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 17% since FY 2020 ($72,000 → $84,500).
Salaries span a $44,445 range from the 10th percentile ($64,085) to the 90th percentile ($108,530). The middle 50% of Engineer Is earn between $70,000 and $90,792, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
SAMSUNG AUSTIN SEMICONDUCTOR is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 50 certified filings at a median salary of $86,466. Among the top sponsors, MUTUAL OF OMAHA INSURANCE pays the highest median at $105,000. The pay spread across top employers is 64%.
Geographically, Austin, TX has the highest concentration of Engineer I H-1B filings (58) at a median of $84,947. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Boston, MA at $105,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Engineer I positions is $78,853, based on 617 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 40% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $90,792 to $108,530, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $64,085 to $70,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $64,085
- 25th percentile
- $70,000
- Median
- $78,853
- 75th percentile
- $90,792
- 90th percentile
- $108,530
Salaries range from $64,085 at the 10th percentile to $108,530 at the 90th percentile, showing a $44,445 spread. The 25th percentile is $70,000 and the 75th percentile is $90,792.
Which companies hire the most Engineer Is on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Engineer I 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.
SAMSUNG AUSTIN SEMICONDUCTOR is the largest H-1B sponsor for Engineer I positions with 50 filings at a median salary of $86,466. MUTUAL OF OMAHA INSURANCE follows with 32 filings.
Where are Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
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 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.
Austin, TX has the highest concentration of Engineer I H-1B filings with 58 positions at a median salary of $84,947. The highest-paying location is Omaha, NE at $101,936 median.
How have Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +17% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $72,000 to $84,500 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: $90,000 (103 certified)
- FY 2023: $77,186 (77 certified)
- FY 2024: $78,750 (120 certified)
- FY 2025: $81,494 (123 certified)
- FY 2026: $84,500 (8 certified)