Lead Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 3,441 certified H-1B filings for Lead Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $82,160, which is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Lead Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $73,570 and $117,030.
Median Salary Trend
Lead Engineer salaries have grown 95% from FY 2020 ($78,104) to FY 2026 ($151,999).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Lead Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| WIPRO | 2,117 | $76,939 |
| TARGET ENTERPRISE | 309 | $130,998 |
| TRANSUNION | 45 | $104,749 |
| BRILLIO | 40 | $105,997 |
| HINDUJA TECH | 38 | $79,040 |
| EATON | 35 | $118,000 |
| BEST BUY . | 34 | $160,624 |
| QUEST GLOBAL SERVICES- N.A. | 32 | $82,451 |
| GAVS TECHNOLOGIES N.A | 27 | $86,882 |
| AVIS BUDGET CAR RENTAL | 23 | $150,000 |
Top Locations for Lead Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN (all jobs) | 246 | $130,998 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 182 | $72,717 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 94 | $96,221 |
| Richfield, MN (all jobs) | 81 | $75,234 |
| Plano, TX (all jobs) | 78 | $78,645 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 77 | $96,221 |
| Irving, TX (all jobs) | 72 | $78,645 |
| Houston, TX (all jobs) | 64 | $84,510 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 64 | $120,000 |
| Brooklyn Park, MN (all jobs) | 57 | $125,798 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Engineer is $82,160, based on 3,441 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 95% since FY 2020 ($78,104 → $151,999).
Salaries span a $73,050 range from the 10th percentile ($68,848) to the 90th percentile ($141,898). The middle 50% of Lead Engineers earn between $73,570 and $117,030, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
WIPRO is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 2,117 certified filings at a median salary of $76,939. Among the top sponsors, BEST BUY . pays the highest median at $160,624. The pay spread across top employers is 109%.
Geographically, Minneapolis, MN has the highest concentration of Lead Engineer H-1B filings (246) at a median of $130,998.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lead Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Engineer positions is $82,160, based on 3,441 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $117,030 to $141,898, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $68,848 to $73,570. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $68,848
- 25th percentile
- $73,570
- Median
- $82,160
- 75th percentile
- $117,030
- 90th percentile
- $141,898
Salaries range from $68,848 at the 10th percentile to $141,898 at the 90th percentile, showing a $73,050 spread. The 25th percentile is $73,570 and the 75th percentile is $117,030.
Which companies hire the most Lead Engineers on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Lead Engineer 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.
WIPRO is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Engineer positions with 2,117 filings at a median salary of $76,939. TARGET ENTERPRISE follows with 309 filings.
Where are Lead Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Lead 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 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.
Minneapolis, MN has the highest concentration of Lead Engineer H-1B filings with 246 positions at a median salary of $130,998.
How have Lead Engineer salaries changed over time?
Lead Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +95% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $78,104 to $151,999 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: $84,718 (565 certified)
- FY 2023: $110,000 (347 certified)
- FY 2024: $123,781 (271 certified)
- FY 2025: $141,898 (241 certified)
- FY 2026: $151,999 (27 certified)