Engineering Lead H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 173 certified H-1B filings for Engineering Lead positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $140,000, which is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Engineering Lead H-1B salaries fall between $121,000 and $171,392.
Median Salary Trend
Engineering Lead salaries have grown 56% from FY 2020 ($125,000) to FY 2026 ($195,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Engineering Lead
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| ZS ASSOCIATES | 9 | $189,000 |
| DELOITTE | 9 | $162,200 |
| TATA | 8 | $157,664 |
| ILLUMINATE EDUCATION | 6 | $121,000 |
| TEMPUS LABS | 6 | $225,000 |
| BCG | 6 | $170,000 |
| E2OPEN | 5 | $100,069 |
| STATE AUTO PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANIES | 5 | $123,469 |
| NESS USA | 5 | $108,500 |
| NCS PEARSON | 5 | $143,246 |
Top Locations for Engineering Lead
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 20 | $190,000 |
| Columbus, OH | 9 | $117,208 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 8 | $121,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 8 | $220,000 |
| Chicago, IL | 7 | $150,000 |
| Bloomington, MN | 6 | $145,000 |
| Canonsburg, PA | 5 | $108,500 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 4 | $125,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | 4 | $146,800 |
| Boston, MA | 3 | $158,311 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Engineering Lead is $140,000, based on 173 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 56% since FY 2020 ($125,000 → $195,000).
Salaries span a $97,323 range from the 10th percentile ($104,000) to the 90th percentile ($201,323). The middle 50% of Engineering Leads earn between $121,000 and $171,392, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
ZS ASSOCIATES is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 9 certified filings at a median salary of $189,000. Among the top sponsors, TEMPUS LABS pays the highest median at $225,000. The pay spread across top employers is 125%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Engineering Lead H-1B filings (20) at a median of $190,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $220,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Engineering Lead H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Engineering Lead positions is $140,000, based on 173 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $171,392 to $201,323, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $104,000 to $121,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $104,000
- 25th percentile
- $121,000
- Median
- $140,000
- 75th percentile
- $171,392
- 90th percentile
- $201,323
Salaries range from $104,000 at the 10th percentile to $201,323 at the 90th percentile, showing a $97,323 spread. The 25th percentile is $121,000 and the 75th percentile is $171,392.
Which companies hire the most Engineering Leads on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Engineering Lead 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.
ZS ASSOCIATES is the largest H-1B sponsor for Engineering Lead positions with 9 filings at a median salary of $189,000. DELOITTE follows with 9 filings.
Where are Engineering Lead H-1B jobs located?
Engineering Lead 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 Engineering Leads 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.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Engineering Lead H-1B filings with 20 positions at a median salary of $190,000. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $220,000 median.
How have Engineering Lead salaries changed over time?
Engineering Lead H-1B salaries have grown by +56% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $125,000 to $195,000 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: $141,294 (34 certified)
- FY 2023: $141,378 (36 certified)
- FY 2024: $140,000 (17 certified)
- FY 2025: $153,204 (28 certified)
- FY 2026: $195,000 (4 certified)