Principal Software Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 12,357 certified H-1B filings for Principal Software Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $150,762, which is 19% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal Software Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $128,315 and $184,147.
Median Salary Trend
Principal Software Engineer salaries have grown 24% from FY 2020 ($134,007) to FY 2026 ($166,635).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal Software Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP | 1,372 | $116,938 |
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP, D/B/A FIDELITY INVESTMENTS | 476 | $131,895 |
| AMAZON | 441 | $212,202 |
| WALMART | 435 | $180,960 |
| DELL USA | 318 | $132,311 |
| EMC | 232 | $167,400 |
| PALO ALTO NETWORKS | 230 | $208,441 |
| CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS | 202 | $153,493 |
| ROCKWELL COLLINS | 171 | $128,731 |
| DELL PRODUCTS | 155 | $156,381 |
Top Locations for Principal Software Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC (all jobs) | 1,142 | $121,222 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 557 | $201,053 |
| Westlake, TX (all jobs) | 535 | $120,328 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 485 | $192,400 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 461 | $191,096 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 455 | $185,000 |
| Round Rock, TX (all jobs) | 365 | $132,278 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 313 | $198,790 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 285 | $147,900 |
| Atlanta, GA (all jobs) | 237 | $135,045 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Principal Software Engineer is $150,762, based on 12,357 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 19% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 24% since FY 2020 ($134,007 → $166,635).
Salaries span a $109,803 range from the 10th percentile ($113,339) to the 90th percentile ($223,142). The middle 50% of Principal Software Engineers earn between $128,315 and $184,147, 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 1,372 certified filings at a median salary of $116,938. Among the top sponsors, AMAZON pays the highest median at $212,202. The pay spread across top employers is 81%.
Geographically, Durham, NC has the highest concentration of Principal Software Engineer H-1B filings (1,142) at a median of $121,222. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Santa Clara, CA at $201,053.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Principal Software Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Principal Software Engineer positions is $150,762, based on 12,357 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 19% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $184,147 to $223,142, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $113,339 to $128,315. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $113,339
- 25th percentile
- $128,315
- Median
- $150,762
- 75th percentile
- $184,147
- 90th percentile
- $223,142
Salaries range from $113,339 at the 10th percentile to $223,142 at the 90th percentile, showing a $109,803 spread. The 25th percentile is $128,315 and the 75th percentile is $184,147.
Which companies hire the most Principal Software Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Principal Software 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 Software Engineer positions with 1,372 filings at a median salary of $116,938. FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP, D/B/A FIDELITY INVESTMENTS follows with 476 filings.
Where are Principal Software Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Principal Software 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 Software 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 Software Engineer H-1B filings with 1,142 positions at a median salary of $121,222. The highest-paying location is Santa Clara, CA at $201,053 median.
How have Principal Software Engineer salaries changed over time?
Principal Software Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +24% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $134,007 to $166,635 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: $143,718 (2,013 certified)
- FY 2023: $155,000 (1,716 certified)
- FY 2024: $153,400 (1,830 certified)
- FY 2025: $162,250 (2,047 certified)
- FY 2026: $166,635 (1,656 certified)