Project Lead H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 1,017 certified H-1B filings for Project Lead positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $93,700, which is 28% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Project Lead H-1B salaries fall between $80,371 and $110,000.
Median Salary Trend
Project Lead salaries have grown 45% from FY 2020 ($87,398) to FY 2026 ($126,818).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Project Lead
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| TATA | 205 | $94,349 |
| ATOS SYNTEL | 189 | $86,063 |
| LTIMINDTREE | 97 | $96,239 |
| HCL | 50 | $84,157 |
| BITWISE | 45 | $89,300 |
| INFOCEPTS | 42 | $100,526 |
| IBM | 41 | $78,416 |
| VALUELABS | 25 | $95,472 |
| MPHASIS | 23 | $125,000 |
| EVRY USA | 14 | $86,000 |
Top Locations for Project Lead
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Schaumburg, IL | 46 | $90,000 |
| Cary, NC | 43 | $75,982 |
| New York, NY | 42 | $99,466 |
| Collierville, TN | 34 | $80,000 |
| Chicago, IL | 31 | $102,984 |
| Louisville, KY | 29 | $77,291 |
| Redmond, WA | 28 | $97,730 |
| Irving, TX | 26 | $85,095 |
| Houston, TX | 24 | $101,720 |
| Charlotte, NC | 21 | $92,707 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Project Lead is $93,700, based on 1,017 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 28% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 45% since FY 2020 ($87,398 → $126,818).
Salaries span a $52,258 range from the 10th percentile ($72,688) to the 90th percentile ($124,946). The middle 50% of Project Leads earn between $80,371 and $110,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
TATA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 205 certified filings at a median salary of $94,349. Among the top sponsors, MPHASIS pays the highest median at $125,000. The pay spread across top employers is 59%.
Geographically, Schaumburg, IL has the highest concentration of Project Lead H-1B filings (46) at a median of $90,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Chicago, IL at $102,984.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Project Lead H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Project Lead positions is $93,700, based on 1,017 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 28% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $110,000 to $124,946, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $72,688 to $80,371. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $72,688
- 25th percentile
- $80,371
- Median
- $93,700
- 75th percentile
- $110,000
- 90th percentile
- $124,946
Salaries range from $72,688 at the 10th percentile to $124,946 at the 90th percentile, showing a $52,258 spread. The 25th percentile is $80,371 and the 75th percentile is $110,000.
Which companies hire the most Project Leads on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Project Lead 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.
TATA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Project Lead positions with 205 filings at a median salary of $94,349. ATOS SYNTEL follows with 189 filings.
Where are Project Lead H-1B jobs located?
Project Lead 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 Project Leads 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.
Schaumburg, IL has the highest concentration of Project Lead H-1B filings with 46 positions at a median salary of $90,000. The highest-paying location is Chicago, IL at $102,984 median.
How have Project Lead salaries changed over time?
Project Lead H-1B salaries have grown by +45% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $87,398 to $126,818 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: $96,000 (157 certified)
- FY 2023: $102,000 (112 certified)
- FY 2024: $96,762 (126 certified)
- FY 2025: $102,274 (124 certified)
- FY 2026: $126,818 (17 certified)