Principal Data Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 1,176 certified H-1B filings for Principal Data Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $143,208, which is 10% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal Data Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $124,084 and $169,300.
Median Salary Trend
Principal Data Engineer salaries have grown 25% from FY 2020 ($122,221) to FY 2026 ($153,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal Data Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP | 117 | $121,222 |
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP, D/B/A FIDELITY INVESTMENTS | 103 | $135,126 |
| OPTUM SERVICES | 92 | $120,118 |
| DFS CORPORATE SERVICES | 41 | $126,000 |
| LTIMINDTREE | 22 | $100,318 |
| AT&T SERVICES | 21 | $156,895 |
| MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES | 20 | $204,900 |
| AMAZON | 20 | $189,530 |
| WALMART | 19 | $164,800 |
| ALLY BANK | 15 | $128,149 |
Top Locations for Principal Data Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC (all jobs) | 146 | $125,119 |
| Westlake, TX (all jobs) | 66 | $127,878 |
| New York, NY | 39 | $175,400 |
| Riverwoods, IL | 35 | $126,000 |
| Eden Prairie, MN | 33 | $119,345 |
| Seattle, WA | 29 | $189,530 |
| Chicago, IL | 28 | $169,000 |
| Charlotte, NC | 27 | $140,000 |
| Austin, TX | 25 | $140,000 |
| Plano, TX | 24 | $143,458 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Principal Data Engineer is $143,208, based on 1,176 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 10% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 25% since FY 2020 ($122,221 → $153,000).
Salaries span a $86,224 range from the 10th percentile ($113,776) to the 90th percentile ($200,000). The middle 50% of Principal Data Engineers earn between $124,084 and $169,300, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 117 certified filings at a median salary of $121,222. Among the top sponsors, MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES pays the highest median at $204,900. The pay spread across top employers is 104%.
Geographically, Durham, NC has the highest concentration of Principal Data Engineer H-1B filings (146) at a median of $125,119. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Seattle, WA at $189,530.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Principal Data Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Principal Data Engineer positions is $143,208, based on 1,176 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 10% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $169,300 to $200,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $113,776 to $124,084. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $113,776
- 25th percentile
- $124,084
- Median
- $143,208
- 75th percentile
- $169,300
- 90th percentile
- $200,000
Salaries range from $113,776 at the 10th percentile to $200,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $86,224 spread. The 25th percentile is $124,084 and the 75th percentile is $169,300.
Which companies hire the most Principal Data Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Principal Data 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.
FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP is the largest H-1B sponsor for Principal Data Engineer positions with 117 filings at a median salary of $121,222. FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP, D/B/A FIDELITY INVESTMENTS follows with 103 filings.
Where are Principal Data Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Principal Data 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 Principal Data 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.
Durham, NC has the highest concentration of Principal Data Engineer H-1B filings with 146 positions at a median salary of $125,119. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $175,400 median.
How have Principal Data Engineer salaries changed over time?
Principal Data Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +25% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $122,221 to $153,000 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: $145,000 (175 certified)
- FY 2023: $133,400 (216 certified)
- FY 2024: $145,000 (209 certified)
- FY 2025: $150,000 (278 certified)
- FY 2026: $153,000 (134 certified)