Principal H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 730 certified H-1B filings for Principal positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $235,000, which is 86% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal H-1B salaries fall between $175,000 and $275,000.
Median Salary Trend
Principal salaries have grown 7% from FY 2020 ($215,000) to FY 2026 ($230,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP | 45 | $252,900 |
| BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP | 44 | $252,900 |
| DELOITTE | 34 | $351,200 |
| SLALOM | 34 | $169,850 |
| A.T. KEARNEY | 31 | $245,000 |
| PWC US CONSULTING LLP | 31 | $528,500 |
| KOHLBERG KRAVIS ROBERTS & . | 30 | $205,000 |
| APOLLO MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS | 24 | $300,000 |
| KKR CREDIT ADVISORS (US) | 23 | $200,000 |
| KKR CAPSTONE AMERICAS | 15 | $240,000 |
Top Locations for Principal
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 251 | $240,000 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 55 | $235,404 |
| San Francisco, CA | 46 | $252,900 |
| Boston, MA | 33 | $252,886 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 24 | $230,000 |
| Dallas, TX | 21 | $236,300 |
| Houston, TX | 15 | $236,300 |
| 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 $235,000, based on 730 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 86% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 7% since FY 2020 ($215,000 → $230,000).
Salaries span a $267,000 range from the 10th percentile ($133,000) to the 90th percentile ($400,000). The middle 50% of Principals earn between $175,000 and $275,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP 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 211%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Principal H-1B filings (251) at a median of $240,000. 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 $235,000, based on 730 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 86% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $275,000 to $400,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $133,000 to $175,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $133,000
- 25th percentile
- $175,000
- Median
- $235,000
- 75th percentile
- $275,000
- 90th percentile
- $400,000
Salaries range from $133,000 at the 10th percentile to $400,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $267,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $175,000 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.
THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP is the largest H-1B sponsor for Principal positions with 45 filings at a median salary of $252,900. BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP follows with 44 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 251 positions at a median salary of $240,000. 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 +7% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $215,000 to $230,000 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: $230,000 (133 certified)