Lead Data Engineer H-1B Salary in Chicago, IL
Employers have filed 52 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Lead Data Engineer positions in Chicago, IL, with a median salary of $142,210. That's 1% higher than the national Lead Data Engineer H-1B median of $141,294 across all U.S. locations, and 38% higher than the Chicago, IL all-roles H-1B median of $102,690. Lead Data Engineer ranks #133 among H-1B job titles filed from Chicago, IL.
Headline numbers for Lead Data Engineer H-1B roles in Chicago, IL, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #6,737 by filing volume out of the 7,138 job × city combinations we track — a moderately active market for Lead Data Engineer hiring.
Lead Data Engineer H-1B Salary Range in Chicago, IL
The pay distribution for this role spans $67,000 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $120,000 and $155,000, the interquartile range where most experienced Lead Data Engineers land. The median of $142,210 sits 1% higher than the national Lead Data Engineer H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $98,000
- 25th percentile
- $120,000
- Median
- $142,210
- 75th percentile
- $155,000
- 90th percentile
- $165,000
Top Employers Hiring Lead Data Engineers in Chicago, IL
SYNCHRONY BANK is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Data Engineer in Chicago, IL, with 6 certified filings (12% of local Lead Data Engineer H-1B filings) at a median salary of $148,000. Among the top sponsors, 84.51 pays the highest median at $156,518. The pay spread across top employers is 37%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 37% ($114,000 at DFS CORPORATE SERVICES to $156,518 at 84.51)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| SYNCHRONY BANK | 6 | $148,000 |
| 84.51 | 5 | $156,518 |
| DFS CORPORATE SERVICES | 4 | $114,000 |
| HYATT | 4 | $150,000 |
| ANTARES CAPITAL | 2 | $135,000 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Lead Data Engineer H-1B median across every U.S. location — a measure of how local cost-of-living and market demand shift pay up or down. The second is the all-roles H-1B median in Chicago, IL, which tells you whether Lead Data Engineer pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Lead Data Engineer H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Lead Data Engineer is an active H-1B role. New York, NY has the most filings (75) outside Chicago, IL. The highest median among these is San Francisco, CA at $170,000. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 75 | $164,956 |
| Irving, TX | 75 | $145,498 |
| Schaumburg, IL | 69 | $105,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 59 | $170,000 |
| Charlotte, NC | 59 | $134,347 |
| Riverwoods, IL | 57 | $105,000 |
| Plano, TX | 57 | $135,000 |
| Redmond, WA | 53 | $127,338 |
| Atlanta, GA | 51 | $141,398 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Chicago, IL
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Chicago, IL, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Developer is the busiest non-Lead Data Engineer role here (2,925 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Manager at a median of $139,901.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 2,925 | $97,800 |
| Software Engineer | 2,762 | $108,000 |
| Consultant | 1,693 | $92,810 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 1,422 | $125,000 |
| Architect | 1,328 | $90,397 |
| Manager | 1,110 | $139,901 |
| Accountant | 1,039 | $93,030 |
| Senior Consultant | 958 | $114,067 |
| Assistant Professor | 907 | $94,034 |
| Systems Analyst | 786 | $93,600 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Data Engineer in Chicago, IL is $142,210, based on 52 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 1% higher than the national Lead Data Engineer H-1B median of $141,294 across all U.S. locations. It is also 38% higher than the overall H-1B median of $102,690 in Chicago, IL across all job titles.
Salaries span a $67,000 range from the 10th percentile ($98,000) to the 90th percentile ($165,000). The middle 50% of workers earn between $120,000 and $155,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
SYNCHRONY BANK is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Chicago, IL, with 6 certified filings at a median salary of $148,000. Among the top employers, 84.51 pays the highest median at $156,518. The pay spread across top employers is 37%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Lead Data Engineer H-1B roles in Chicago, IL, answered directly from 52 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Every answer below cites the specific data point it's based on.
What is the average Lead Data Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Data Engineer positions in Chicago, IL is $142,210, based on 52 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $98,000
- 25th percentile
- $120,000
- Median
- $142,210
- 75th percentile
- $155,000
- 90th percentile
- $165,000
The salary distribution for Lead Data Engineer roles in Chicago, IL shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $98,000, while the 90th percentile earns $165,000. This $67,000 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,707, Lead Data Engineer salaries in Chicago, IL are 9% higher, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Lead Data Engineers in Chicago, IL?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Lead Data Engineer positions in Chicago, IL are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Lead Data Engineer roles specifically in Chicago, IL. SYNCHRONY BANK leads with 6 filings at a median salary of $148,000. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $114,000 to $156,518.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Lead Data Engineer in Chicago, IL?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Lead Data Engineer in Chicago, IL, you'll need a sponsoring employer. The process involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa
- The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor
- Once the LCA is certified, the employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS
- If selected in the H-1B lottery (if applicable) and approved, you can begin work
Based on our data, 52 H-1B positions for Lead Data Engineers in Chicago, IL have been certified, indicating strong demand for this role. The top sponsors listed above have a track record of successful H-1B sponsorship for this position.