Lead Software Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 15,573 certified H-1B filings for Lead Software Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $139,610, which is 11% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Lead Software Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $120,328 and $160,000.
Median Salary Trend
Lead Software Engineer salaries have grown 27% from FY 2020 ($122,221) to FY 2026 ($154,669).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Lead Software Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| JPMORGAN CHASE | 1,871 | $160,000 |
| UST GLOBAL | 927 | $96,000 |
| WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A | 614 | $141,898 |
| CISCO | 579 | $168,834 |
| GLOBALLOGIC | 449 | $116,938 |
| CAPITAL ONE SERVICES | 423 | $102,690 |
| OPTUM SERVICES | 351 | $129,565 |
| MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED | 325 | $125,000 |
| EPAM SYSTEMS | 294 | $125,000 |
| LOWE'S COMPANIES | 282 | $134,347 |
Top Locations for Lead Software Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Plano, TX (all jobs) | 775 | $154,028 |
| Charlotte, NC (all jobs) | 712 | $134,347 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 443 | $167,149 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 423 | $179,888 |
| Jersey City, NJ (all jobs) | 420 | $171,200 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 414 | $160,555 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 388 | $140,000 |
| O'Fallon, MO (all jobs) | 325 | $125,000 |
| Columbus, OH (all jobs) | 312 | $142,700 |
| Atlanta, GA (all jobs) | 306 | $136,167 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Software Engineer is $139,610, based on 15,573 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 11% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 27% since FY 2020 ($122,221 → $154,669).
Salaries span a $80,366 range from the 10th percentile ($101,754) to the 90th percentile ($182,120). The middle 50% of Lead Software Engineers earn between $120,328 and $160,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
JPMORGAN CHASE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 1,871 certified filings at a median salary of $160,000. Among the top sponsors, CISCO pays the highest median at $168,834. The pay spread across top employers is 76%.
Geographically, Plano, TX has the highest concentration of Lead Software Engineer H-1B filings (775) at a median of $154,028. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $179,888.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lead Software Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Software Engineer positions is $139,610, based on 15,573 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 11% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $160,000 to $182,120, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $101,754 to $120,328. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $101,754
- 25th percentile
- $120,328
- Median
- $139,610
- 75th percentile
- $160,000
- 90th percentile
- $182,120
Salaries range from $101,754 at the 10th percentile to $182,120 at the 90th percentile, showing a $80,366 spread. The 25th percentile is $120,328 and the 75th percentile is $160,000.
Which companies hire the most Lead Software Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Lead Software 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.
JPMORGAN CHASE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Software Engineer positions with 1,871 filings at a median salary of $160,000. UST GLOBAL follows with 927 filings.
Where are Lead Software Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Lead Software 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 Software 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.
Plano, TX has the highest concentration of Lead Software Engineer H-1B filings with 775 positions at a median salary of $154,028. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $179,888 median.
How have Lead Software Engineer salaries changed over time?
Lead Software Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +27% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $122,221 to $154,669 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: $130,000 (2,239 certified)
- FY 2023: $135,200 (2,234 certified)
- FY 2024: $144,000 (2,672 certified)
- FY 2025: $150,000 (3,161 certified)
- FY 2026: $154,669 (2,092 certified)