Lead Machine Learning Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 194 certified H-1B filings for Lead Machine Learning Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $180,000, which is 38% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Lead Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $152,000 and $208,278.
Median Salary Trend
Lead Machine Learning Engineer salaries have grown 20% from FY 2020 ($154,669) to FY 2026 ($185,500).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Lead Machine Learning Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| TARGET ENTERPRISE | 21 | $154,669 |
| NIKE USA | 9 | $230,000 |
| TIKTOK | 7 | $396,000 |
| CISCO | 7 | $212,300 |
| OPTUM | 6 | $163,862 |
| DOCUSIGN | 5 | $273,921 |
| LEVI STRAUSS & | 4 | $210,000 |
| SALESFORCE | 4 | $216,600 |
| BYTEDANCE | 4 | $320,400 |
| DOCUSIGN | 3 | $232,000 |
Top Locations for Lead Machine Learning Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | 25 | $207,700 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 14 | $167,149 |
| San Jose, CA | 11 | $378,600 |
| Seattle, WA | 10 | $189,000 |
| New York, NY | 8 | $183,414 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 7 | $135,200 |
| Austin, TX | 6 | $163,550 |
| Chicago, IL | 5 | $200,000 |
| Bellevue, WA | 4 | $180,000 |
| Dallas, TX | 4 | $140,109 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Machine Learning Engineer is $180,000, based on 194 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 38% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 20% since FY 2020 ($154,669 → $185,500).
Salaries span a $139,202 range from the 10th percentile ($125,798) to the 90th percentile ($265,000). The middle 50% of Lead Machine Learning Engineers earn between $152,000 and $208,278, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
TARGET ENTERPRISE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 21 certified filings at a median salary of $154,669. Among the top sponsors, TIKTOK pays the highest median at $396,000. The pay spread across top employers is 156%.
Geographically, San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Lead Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings (25) at a median of $207,700. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Jose, CA at $378,600.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lead Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Machine Learning Engineer positions is $180,000, based on 194 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 38% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $208,278 to $265,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $125,798 to $152,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $125,798
- 25th percentile
- $152,000
- Median
- $180,000
- 75th percentile
- $208,278
- 90th percentile
- $265,000
Salaries range from $125,798 at the 10th percentile to $265,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $139,202 spread. The 25th percentile is $152,000 and the 75th percentile is $208,278.
Which companies hire the most Lead Machine Learning Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Lead Machine Learning 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.
TARGET ENTERPRISE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Machine Learning Engineer positions with 21 filings at a median salary of $154,669. NIKE USA follows with 9 filings.
Where are Lead Machine Learning Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Lead Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning 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 Lead Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings with 25 positions at a median salary of $207,700. The highest-paying location is San Jose, CA at $378,600 median.
How have Lead Machine Learning Engineer salaries changed over time?
Lead Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +20% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $154,669 to $185,500 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: $174,720 (26 certified)
- FY 2023: $176,400 (13 certified)
- FY 2024: $185,000 (35 certified)
- FY 2025: $185,000 (66 certified)
- FY 2026: $185,500 (19 certified)