Principal Engineer II H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 100 certified H-1B filings for Principal Engineer II positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $153,587, which is 22% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal Engineer II H-1B salaries fall between $132,980 and $161,886.
Median Salary Trend
Principal Engineer II salaries have grown 14% from FY 2020 ($137,301) to FY 2026 ($156,998).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal Engineer II
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS | 36 | $139,568 |
| CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS | 28 | $159,723 |
| COMMVAULT SYSTEMS | 15 | $170,000 |
| ALCON RESEARCH | 6 | $144,934 |
| AMZETTA TECHNOLOGIES | 2 | $144,840 |
| METRICSTREAM | 2 | $139,241 |
| CLOUDERA | 2 | $277,134 |
| MCKINSEY & , . UNITED STATES | 2 | $252,300 |
| ATLANTA TRADING & ENGINEERING CONSULTING | 1 | $99,840 |
| HONDA RESEARCH INSTITUTE USA | 1 | $125,000 |
Top Locations for Principal Engineer II
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwood Village, CO | 33 | $153,587 |
| Englewood, CO | 22 | $139,984 |
| Tinton Falls, NJ | 6 | $156,100 |
| Lake Forest, CA | 5 | $144,934 |
| San Jose, CA | 5 | $170,000 |
| Austin, TX | 4 | $163,488 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 4 | $185,000 |
| Maryland Heights, MO | 2 | $140,046 |
| Norcross, GA | 2 | $144,840 |
| Ashburn, VA | 2 | $186,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Principal Engineer II is $153,587, based on 100 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 22% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 14% since FY 2020 ($137,301 → $156,998).
Salaries span a $56,000 range from the 10th percentile ($124,000) to the 90th percentile ($180,000). The middle 50% of Principal Engineer IIs earn between $132,980 and $161,886, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 36 certified filings at a median salary of $139,568. Among the top sponsors, CLOUDERA pays the highest median at $277,134. The pay spread across top employers is 178%.
Geographically, Greenwood Village, CO has the highest concentration of Principal Engineer II H-1B filings (33) at a median of $153,587. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Ashburn, VA at $186,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Principal Engineer II H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Principal Engineer II positions is $153,587, based on 100 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 22% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $161,886 to $180,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $124,000 to $132,980. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $124,000
- 25th percentile
- $132,980
- Median
- $153,587
- 75th percentile
- $161,886
- 90th percentile
- $180,000
Salaries range from $124,000 at the 10th percentile to $180,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $56,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $132,980 and the 75th percentile is $161,886.
Which companies hire the most Principal Engineer IIs on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Principal Engineer II 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 II positions with 36 filings at a median salary of $139,568. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS follows with 28 filings.
Where are Principal Engineer II H-1B jobs located?
Principal Engineer II 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 IIs 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 II H-1B filings with 33 positions at a median salary of $153,587. The highest-paying location is San Jose, CA at $170,000 median.
How have Principal Engineer II salaries changed over time?
Principal Engineer II H-1B salaries have grown by +14% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $137,301 to $156,998 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: $132,704 (17 certified)
- FY 2023: $145,000 (15 certified)
- FY 2024: $159,598 (11 certified)
- FY 2025: $161,158 (33 certified)
- FY 2026: $156,998 (13 certified)