Lead Software Developer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 2,429 certified H-1B filings for Lead Software Developer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $121,502, which is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Lead Software Developer H-1B salaries fall between $105,997 and $133,872.
Median Salary Trend
Lead Software Developer salaries have grown 23% from FY 2020 ($110,000) to FY 2026 ($134,971).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Lead Software Developer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| ADP | 393 | $122,928 |
| DFS CORPORATE SERVICES | 179 | $122,000 |
| SYNECHRON | 83 | $90,530 |
| EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE | 74 | $129,730 |
| CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS | 62 | $122,970 |
| THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP | 52 | $110,200 |
| STARBUCKS COFFEE | 45 | $162,947 |
| IBM | 41 | $96,262 |
| CHARLES SCHWAB AND | 23 | $128,315 |
| LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS | 22 | $119,608 |
Top Locations for Lead Software Developer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Alpharetta, GA (all jobs) | 190 | $117,915 |
| Riverwoods, IL (all jobs) | 98 | $122,000 |
| Princeton, NJ (all jobs) | 75 | $130,000 |
| Charlotte, NC (all jobs) | 72 | $100,000 |
| Pasadena, CA (all jobs) | 62 | $126,942 |
| Roseland, NJ (all jobs) | 50 | $123,656 |
| Atlanta, GA | 49 | $122,400 |
| Parsippany, NJ | 48 | $123,614 |
| New York, NY | 47 | $125,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 46 | $165,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Software Developer is $121,502, based on 2,429 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 23% since FY 2020 ($110,000 → $134,971).
Salaries span a $57,512 range from the 10th percentile ($94,037) to the 90th percentile ($151,549). The middle 50% of Lead Software Developers earn between $105,997 and $133,872, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
ADP is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 393 certified filings at a median salary of $122,928. Among the top sponsors, STARBUCKS COFFEE pays the highest median at $162,947. The pay spread across top employers is 80%.
Geographically, Alpharetta, GA has the highest concentration of Lead Software Developer H-1B filings (190) at a median of $117,915. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Seattle, WA at $165,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lead Software Developer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Software Developer positions is $121,502, based on 2,429 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 7% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $133,872 to $151,549, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $94,037 to $105,997. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $94,037
- 25th percentile
- $105,997
- Median
- $121,502
- 75th percentile
- $133,872
- 90th percentile
- $151,549
Salaries range from $94,037 at the 10th percentile to $151,549 at the 90th percentile, showing a $57,512 spread. The 25th percentile is $105,997 and the 75th percentile is $133,872.
Which companies hire the most Lead Software Developers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Lead Software Developer 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.
ADP is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Software Developer positions with 393 filings at a median salary of $122,928. DFS CORPORATE SERVICES follows with 179 filings.
Where are Lead Software Developer H-1B jobs located?
Lead Software Developer 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 Software Developers 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.
Alpharetta, GA has the highest concentration of Lead Software Developer H-1B filings with 190 positions at a median salary of $117,915. The highest-paying location is Princeton, NJ at $130,000 median.
How have Lead Software Developer salaries changed over time?
Lead Software Developer H-1B salaries have grown by +23% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $110,000 to $134,971 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: $119,933 (460 certified)
- FY 2023: $124,551 (323 certified)
- FY 2024: $132,585 (272 certified)
- FY 2025: $132,585 (303 certified)
- FY 2026: $134,971 (51 certified)