Principal Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 207 certified H-1B filings for Principal Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $132,163, which is 1% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $121,222 and $144,685.
Median Salary Trend
Principal Engineer I salaries have grown 15% from FY 2020 ($123,219) to FY 2026 ($142,314).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS | 168 | $131,685 |
| HUGHES NETWORK SYSTEMS | 8 | $135,000 |
| MOBIQUITY | 5 | $120,000 |
| WESTERN ALLIANCE BANK | 5 | $142,604 |
| HONDA DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING OF AMERICA | 3 | $124,702 |
| CVS PHARMACY | 3 | $190,000 |
| CONFLUENT | 2 | $280,000 |
| AB TECHNOLOGIES | 2 | $114,000 |
| GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES INSURANCE (GEICO) | 2 | $165,173 |
| CLOUDERA | 2 | $280,000 |
Top Locations for Principal Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwood Village, CO (all jobs) | 113 | $132,704 |
| Englewood, CO | 41 | $128,898 |
| Germantown, MD | 7 | $134,397 |
| Maryland Heights, MO | 6 | $114,000 |
| Charlotte, NC | 6 | $128,461 |
| Raymond, OH | 3 | $124,702 |
| Irving, TX | 3 | $142,604 |
| Centennial, CO | 2 | $148,366 |
| Wayne, PA | 2 | $120,000 |
| Mountain View, CA | 2 | $280,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Principal Engineer I is $132,163, based on 207 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 1% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 15% since FY 2020 ($123,219 → $142,314).
Salaries span a $52,558 range from the 10th percentile ($109,328) to the 90th percentile ($161,886). The middle 50% of Principal Engineer Is earn between $121,222 and $144,685, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 168 certified filings at a median salary of $131,685. Among the top sponsors, CONFLUENT pays the highest median at $280,000. The pay spread across top employers is 146%.
Geographically, Greenwood Village, CO has the highest concentration of Principal Engineer I H-1B filings (113) at a median of $132,704. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Mountain View, CA at $280,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Principal Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Principal Engineer I positions is $132,163, based on 207 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 1% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $144,685 to $161,886, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $109,328 to $121,222. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $109,328
- 25th percentile
- $121,222
- Median
- $132,163
- 75th percentile
- $144,685
- 90th percentile
- $161,886
Salaries range from $109,328 at the 10th percentile to $161,886 at the 90th percentile, showing a $52,558 spread. The 25th percentile is $121,222 and the 75th percentile is $144,685.
Which companies hire the most Principal Engineer Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Principal 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.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS is the largest H-1B sponsor for Principal Engineer I positions with 168 filings at a median salary of $131,685. HUGHES NETWORK SYSTEMS follows with 8 filings.
Where are Principal Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
Principal 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 Principal 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.
Greenwood Village, CO has the highest concentration of Principal Engineer I H-1B filings with 113 positions at a median salary of $132,704. The highest-paying location is Germantown, MD at $134,397 median.
How have Principal Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Principal Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +15% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $123,219 to $142,314 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: $131,685 (36 certified)
- FY 2023: $136,198 (39 certified)
- FY 2024: $134,826 (25 certified)
- FY 2025: $143,214 (50 certified)
- FY 2026: $142,314 (10 certified)