Lead Design Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 104 certified H-1B filings for Lead Design Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $121,150, which is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Lead Design Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $99,944 and $134,597.
Median Salary Trend
Lead Design Engineer salaries have grown 15% from FY 2020 ($111,634) to FY 2026 ($128,898).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Lead Design Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS | 50 | $124,176 |
| TARGET ENTERPRISE | 6 | $144,248 |
| NORTH AMERICAN LIGHTING | 6 | $131,850 |
| TECHNOSOFT ENGINEERING | 4 | $114,462 |
| SAFRAN OIL SYSTEMS | 2 | $106,912 |
| CLUTCHPOINT | 2 | $86,000 |
| ACUITY BRANDS LIGHTING | 2 | $112,549 |
| FREEMYER INDUSTRIAL PRESSURE | 2 | $104,000 |
| JABIL | 2 | $137,500 |
| ZEALOGICS | 2 | $125,757 |
Top Locations for Lead Design Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | 27 | $126,984 |
| Cary, NC | 11 | $87,131 |
| Austin, TX | 6 | $124,352 |
| Farmington Hills, MI | 6 | $131,850 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 5 | $144,248 |
| Valhalla, NY | 4 | $114,462 |
| Columbia, MD | 3 | $98,030 |
| Greensboro, NC | 2 | $71,000 |
| Decatur, GA | 2 | $112,549 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 2 | $104,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Design Engineer is $121,150, based on 104 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 15% since FY 2020 ($111,634 → $128,898).
Salaries span a $63,248 range from the 10th percentile ($81,000) to the 90th percentile ($144,248). The middle 50% of Lead Design Engineers earn between $99,944 and $134,597, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 50 certified filings at a median salary of $124,176. Among the top sponsors, TARGET ENTERPRISE pays the highest median at $144,248. The pay spread across top employers is 68%.
Geographically, San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of Lead Design Engineer H-1B filings (27) at a median of $126,984. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Sunnyvale, CA at $144,248.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lead Design Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Design Engineer positions is $121,150, based on 104 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $134,597 to $144,248, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $81,000 to $99,944. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $81,000
- 25th percentile
- $99,944
- Median
- $121,150
- 75th percentile
- $134,597
- 90th percentile
- $144,248
Salaries range from $81,000 at the 10th percentile to $144,248 at the 90th percentile, showing a $63,248 spread. The 25th percentile is $99,944 and the 75th percentile is $134,597.
Which companies hire the most Lead Design Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Lead Design 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.
CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Design Engineer positions with 50 filings at a median salary of $124,176. TARGET ENTERPRISE follows with 6 filings.
Where are Lead Design Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Lead Design 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 Lead Design 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 Jose, CA has the highest concentration of Lead Design Engineer H-1B filings with 27 positions at a median salary of $126,984. The highest-paying location is Sunnyvale, CA at $144,248 median.
How have Lead Design Engineer salaries changed over time?
Lead Design Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +15% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $111,634 to $128,898 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: $124,176 (22 certified)
- FY 2023: $110,718 (20 certified)
- FY 2024: $125,632 (16 certified)
- FY 2025: $139,700 (13 certified)
- FY 2026: $128,898 (7 certified)