Founding Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 106 certified H-1B filings for Founding Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $163,862, which is 26% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Founding Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $145,000 and $190,000.
Median Salary Trend
Founding Engineer salaries have grown -5% from FY 2020 ($190,000) to FY 2026 ($180,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Founding Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| KUMO.AI | 4 | $184,500 |
| NEXUSFLOW.AI | 3 | $135,283 |
| LLAMA RANCH | 2 | $105,000 |
| NON-FUNGIBLE LABS | 2 | $110,510 |
| SHAPLEY | 2 | $283,442 |
| POTRERO LABS | 2 | $190,000 |
| SHARE [XYZ] | 2 | $234,062 |
| MODELCODE AI | 2 | $250,000 |
| CARO TECHNOLOGIES | 2 | $150,000 |
| TUSK AI | 2 | $165,000 |
Top Locations for Founding Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | 29 | $165,000 |
| New York, NY | 15 | $160,000 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 8 | $184,662 |
| Mountain View, CA | 5 | $172,931 |
| San Mateo, CA | 4 | $220,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 4 | $200,000 |
| Redwood City, CA | 3 | $183,310 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 3 | $190,000 |
| Burlingame, CA | 3 | $190,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 2 | $163,862 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Founding Engineer is $163,862, based on 106 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 26% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -5% since FY 2020 ($190,000 → $180,000).
Salaries span a $109,000 range from the 10th percentile ($121,000) to the 90th percentile ($230,000). The middle 50% of Founding Engineers earn between $145,000 and $190,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
KUMO.AI is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 4 certified filings at a median salary of $184,500. Among the top sponsors, SHAPLEY pays the highest median at $283,442. The pay spread across top employers is 170%.
Geographically, San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Founding Engineer H-1B filings (29) at a median of $165,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Mateo, CA at $220,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Founding Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Founding Engineer positions is $163,862, based on 106 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 26% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $190,000 to $230,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $121,000 to $145,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $121,000
- 25th percentile
- $145,000
- Median
- $163,862
- 75th percentile
- $190,000
- 90th percentile
- $230,000
Salaries range from $121,000 at the 10th percentile to $230,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $109,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $145,000 and the 75th percentile is $190,000.
Which companies hire the most Founding Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Founding 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.
KUMO.AI is the largest H-1B sponsor for Founding Engineer positions with 4 filings at a median salary of $184,500. NEXUSFLOW.AI follows with 3 filings.
Where are Founding Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Founding 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 Founding 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.
San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Founding Engineer H-1B filings with 29 positions at a median salary of $165,000. The highest-paying location is San Mateo, CA at $220,000 median.
How have Founding Engineer salaries changed over time?
Founding Engineer H-1B salaries have changed by -5% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $190,000 to $180,000 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: $142,000 (11 certified)
- FY 2023: $160,000 (8 certified)
- FY 2024: $169,229 (24 certified)
- FY 2025: $165,000 (44 certified)
- FY 2026: $180,000 (15 certified)