Principal H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 628 certified H-1B filings for Principal positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $236,000, which is 81% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal H-1B salaries fall between $180,000 and $275,000.
Median Salary Trend
Principal salaries have grown 12% from FY 2020 ($215,000) to FY 2026 ($240,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| BCG | 45 | $252,900 |
| BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP | 32 | $252,900 |
| PWC US CONSULTING LLP | 31 | $528,500 |
| A.T. KEARNEY | 29 | $245,000 |
| DELOITTE | 28 | $410,000 |
| KOHLBERG KRAVIS ROBERTS & . | 27 | $195,000 |
| SLALOM | 19 | $175,400 |
| KKR CREDIT ADVISORS (US) | 16 | $200,000 |
| APOLLO MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS | 14 | $300,000 |
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE | 14 | $139,823 |
Top Locations for Principal
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 209 | $236,300 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 50 | $240,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 42 | $252,900 |
| Boston, MA | 26 | $252,900 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 19 | $230,000 |
| Dallas, TX | 17 | $236,300 |
| Houston, TX | 14 | $252,900 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 13 | $210,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 13 | $400,000 |
| Washington, DC | 13 | $260,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Principal is $236,000, based on 628 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 81% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 12% since FY 2020 ($215,000 → $240,000).
Salaries span a $295,200 range from the 10th percentile ($133,000) to the 90th percentile ($428,200). The middle 50% of Principals earn between $180,000 and $275,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
BCG is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 45 certified filings at a median salary of $252,900. Among the top sponsors, PWC US CONSULTING LLP pays the highest median at $528,500. The pay spread across top employers is 278%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Principal H-1B filings (209) at a median of $236,300. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Jose, CA at $400,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Principal H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Principal positions is $236,000, based on 628 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 81% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $275,000 to $428,200, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $133,000 to $180,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $133,000
- 25th percentile
- $180,000
- Median
- $236,000
- 75th percentile
- $275,000
- 90th percentile
- $428,200
Salaries range from $133,000 at the 10th percentile to $428,200 at the 90th percentile, showing a $295,200 spread. The 25th percentile is $180,000 and the 75th percentile is $275,000.
Which companies hire the most Principals on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Principal roles includes both technology companies hiring directly and IT consulting firms that place workers at client sites. Direct-hire positions at tech companies often offer higher base salaries and equity packages, while consulting roles provide diverse project experience across industries.
BCG is the largest H-1B sponsor for Principal positions with 45 filings at a median salary of $252,900. BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP follows with 32 filings.
Where are Principal H-1B jobs located?
Principal 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 Principals 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.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Principal H-1B filings with 209 positions at a median salary of $236,300. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $252,900 median.
How have Principal salaries changed over time?
Principal H-1B salaries have grown by +12% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $215,000 to $240,000 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: $230,000 (107 certified)
- FY 2023: $249,000 (94 certified)
- FY 2024: $252,900 (108 certified)
- FY 2025: $250,000 (153 certified)
- FY 2026: $240,000 (31 certified)