Lead Systems Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 803 certified H-1B filings for Lead Systems Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $135,000, which is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Lead Systems Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $115,000 and $158,038.
Median Salary Trend
Lead Systems Engineer salaries have grown 37% from FY 2020 ($120,000) to FY 2026 ($163,842).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Lead Systems Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 95 | $162,161 |
| CISCO | 31 | $158,038 |
| SALESFORCE | 25 | $200,263 |
| EPAM SYSTEMS | 25 | $113,000 |
| SWIFT | 21 | $150,000 |
| VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS | 20 | $147,400 |
| TRUIST BANK | 19 | $119,059 |
| WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT LLP | 17 | $150,000 |
| GENERAL MOTORS | 17 | $125,000 |
| EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE | 14 | $117,582 |
Top Locations for Lead Systems Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Plano, TX (all jobs) | 75 | $160,000 |
| Manassas, VA | 31 | $152,495 |
| San Francisco, CA | 23 | $169,562 |
| Troy, MI | 18 | $115,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 16 | $158,746 |
| Dallas, TX | 16 | $165,000 |
| Alpharetta, GA | 16 | $160,000 |
| Waukesha, WI | 14 | $110,000 |
| Auburn Hills, MI | 13 | $117,853 |
| Raleigh, NC | 13 | $119,059 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Lead Systems Engineer is $135,000, based on 803 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 37% since FY 2020 ($120,000 → $163,842).
Salaries span a $72,056 range from the 10th percentile ($99,944) to the 90th percentile ($172,000). The middle 50% of Lead Systems Engineers earn between $115,000 and $158,038, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
AT&T is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 95 certified filings at a median salary of $162,161. Among the top sponsors, SALESFORCE pays the highest median at $200,263. The pay spread across top employers is 77%.
Geographically, Plano, TX has the highest concentration of Lead Systems Engineer H-1B filings (75) at a median of $160,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $169,562.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lead Systems Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Lead Systems Engineer positions is $135,000, based on 803 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $158,038 to $172,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $99,944 to $115,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $99,944
- 25th percentile
- $115,000
- Median
- $135,000
- 75th percentile
- $158,038
- 90th percentile
- $172,000
Salaries range from $99,944 at the 10th percentile to $172,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $72,056 spread. The 25th percentile is $115,000 and the 75th percentile is $158,038.
Which companies hire the most Lead Systems Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Lead Systems 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.
AT&T is the largest H-1B sponsor for Lead Systems Engineer positions with 95 filings at a median salary of $162,161. CISCO follows with 31 filings.
Where are Lead Systems Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Lead Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems Engineer H-1B filings with 75 positions at a median salary of $160,000. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $169,562 median.
How have Lead Systems Engineer salaries changed over time?
Lead Systems Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +37% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $120,000 to $163,842 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: $126,825 (133 certified)
- FY 2023: $125,000 (125 certified)
- FY 2024: $147,400 (132 certified)
- FY 2025: $151,001 (178 certified)
- FY 2026: $163,842 (34 certified)