Mechanical Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 371 certified H-1B filings for Mechanical Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $72,800, which is 44% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Mechanical Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $67,163 and $85,500.
Median Salary Trend
Mechanical Engineer I salaries have grown 131% from FY 2020 ($70,387) to FY 2026 ($162,386).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Mechanical Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| HCL | 114 | $70,221 |
| HCL AMERICA SOLUTIONS | 98 | $71,365 |
| ASM AMERICA | 20 | $97,781 |
| GEOMETRIC AMERICAS | 12 | $72,114 |
| FREEPORT-MCMORAN MORENCI | 9 | $88,200 |
| BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY | 8 | $169,998 |
| B D G WRAP-TITE | 6 | $67,371 |
| JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES | 4 | $94,723 |
| FREEPORT-MCMORAN CHINO MINES | 4 | $86,500 |
| MESABI METALLICS | 4 | $72,000 |
Top Locations for Mechanical Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Irvine, CA | 28 | $71,365 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 20 | $97,781 |
| Tarrytown, NY | 11 | $67,080 |
| Raynham, MA | 11 | $74,963 |
| Morenci, AZ | 9 | $88,200 |
| Flanders, NJ | 8 | $71,250 |
| Tucson, AZ | 8 | $69,160 |
| Upton, NY | 8 | $169,998 |
| San Diego, CA | 8 | $67,371 |
| Plymouth, MN | 7 | $65,458 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Mechanical Engineer I is $72,800, based on 371 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 44% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 131% since FY 2020 ($70,387 → $162,386).
Salaries span a $35,464 range from the 10th percentile ($62,317) to the 90th percentile ($97,781). The middle 50% of Mechanical Engineer Is earn between $67,163 and $85,500, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
HCL is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 114 certified filings at a median salary of $70,221. Among the top sponsors, BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY pays the highest median at $169,998. The pay spread across top employers is 152%.
Geographically, Irvine, CA has the highest concentration of Mechanical Engineer I H-1B filings (28) at a median of $71,365. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Upton, NY at $169,998.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Mechanical Engineer I positions is $72,800, based on 371 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 44% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $85,500 to $97,781, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $62,317 to $67,163. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $62,317
- 25th percentile
- $67,163
- Median
- $72,800
- 75th percentile
- $85,500
- 90th percentile
- $97,781
Salaries range from $62,317 at the 10th percentile to $97,781 at the 90th percentile, showing a $35,464 spread. The 25th percentile is $67,163 and the 75th percentile is $85,500.
Which companies hire the most Mechanical Engineer Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Mechanical Engineer I 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.
HCL is the largest H-1B sponsor for Mechanical Engineer I positions with 114 filings at a median salary of $70,221. HCL AMERICA SOLUTIONS follows with 98 filings.
Where are Mechanical Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
Mechanical Engineer I 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 Mechanical Engineer Is 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.
Irvine, CA has the highest concentration of Mechanical Engineer I H-1B filings with 28 positions at a median salary of $71,365. The highest-paying location is Phoenix, AZ at $97,781 median.
How have Mechanical Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Mechanical Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +131% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $70,387 to $162,386 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: $71,365 (82 certified)
- FY 2023: $80,750 (50 certified)
- FY 2024: $86,000 (47 certified)
- FY 2025: $85,000 (43 certified)
- FY 2026: $162,386 (10 certified)