Principal Machine Learning Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 250 certified H-1B filings for Principal Machine Learning Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $206,121, which is 63% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $161,741 and $260,000.
Median Salary Trend
Principal Machine Learning Engineer salaries have grown 18% from FY 2020 ($180,000) to FY 2026 ($212,202).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal Machine Learning Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| ROBLOX | 13 | $315,850 |
| PALO ALTO NETWORKS | 13 | $207,896 |
| X.AI | 13 | $350,000 |
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP, D/B/A FIDELITY INVESTMENTS | 12 | $161,741 |
| WORKDAY | 11 | $228,000 |
| QUALCOMM | 9 | $191,500 |
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP | 9 | $121,222 |
| GAINWELL TECHNOLOGIES | 6 | $156,998 |
| ASCENTT SYSTEMS | 5 | $125,008 |
| PAYPAL | 4 | $310,000 |
Top Locations for Principal Machine Learning Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | 22 | $220,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 18 | $300,000 |
| San Mateo, CA | 16 | $315,470 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 15 | $300,000 |
| Durham, NC | 13 | $154,877 |
| Plano, TX | 12 | $130,000 |
| Bellevue, WA | 10 | $260,000 |
| San Diego, CA | 9 | $191,500 |
| San Jose, CA | 7 | $310,000 |
| New York, NY | 6 | $215,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Principal Machine Learning Engineer is $206,121, based on 250 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 63% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 18% since FY 2020 ($180,000 → $212,202).
Salaries span a $183,437 range from the 10th percentile ($132,413) to the 90th percentile ($315,850). The middle 50% of Principal Machine Learning Engineers earn between $161,741 and $260,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
ROBLOX is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 13 certified filings at a median salary of $315,850. Among the top sponsors, X.AI pays the highest median at $350,000. The pay spread across top employers is 189%.
Geographically, Santa Clara, CA has the highest concentration of Principal Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings (22) at a median of $220,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Mateo, CA at $315,470.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Principal Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Principal Machine Learning Engineer positions is $206,121, based on 250 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 63% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $260,000 to $315,850, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $132,413 to $161,741. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $132,413
- 25th percentile
- $161,741
- Median
- $206,121
- 75th percentile
- $260,000
- 90th percentile
- $315,850
Salaries range from $132,413 at the 10th percentile to $315,850 at the 90th percentile, showing a $183,437 spread. The 25th percentile is $161,741 and the 75th percentile is $260,000.
Which companies hire the most Principal Machine Learning Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Principal Machine Learning 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.
ROBLOX is the largest H-1B sponsor for Principal Machine Learning Engineer positions with 13 filings at a median salary of $315,850. PALO ALTO NETWORKS follows with 13 filings.
Where are Principal Machine Learning Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Principal Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning 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.
Santa Clara, CA has the highest concentration of Principal Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings with 22 positions at a median salary of $220,000. The highest-paying location is San Mateo, CA at $315,470 median.
How have Principal Machine Learning Engineer salaries changed over time?
Principal Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +18% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $180,000 to $212,202 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: $187,000 (15 certified)
- FY 2023: $191,500 (21 certified)
- FY 2024: $215,197 (48 certified)
- FY 2025: $206,315 (68 certified)
- FY 2026: $212,202 (82 certified)