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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q3

Project Lead H-1B Visa Salary Data

There have been 1,070 certified H-1B filings for Project Lead positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $94,890, which is 25% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.

1,070
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$94,890
Median Salary
-25% vs national
$127,967
90th Percentile
Top earners
+35%
Salary Growth
Since FY 2020

Salary Distribution

Salary Range Distribution

Most Project Lead H-1B salaries fall between $81,057 and $110,383.

Median Salary Trend

Project Lead salaries have grown 35% from FY 2020 ($87,398) to FY 2026 ($118,331).

Top Employers & Locations

Top Employers for Project Lead

Employer Filings Median
TATA 218 $95,347
ATOS SYNTEL 190 $86,354
MINDTREE 95 $96,239
HCL 54 $90,002
BITWISE 46 $90,000
INFOCEPTS 42 $100,526
IBM 42 $83,616
MPHASIS 33 $125,000
VALUELABS 26 $95,472
EVRY USA 14 $86,000

Top Locations for Project Lead

Location Filings Median
Schaumburg, IL 47 $90,000
New York, NY 43 $99,466
Cary, NC 43 $75,982
Collierville, TN 34 $80,000
Chicago, IL 32 $105,760
Louisville, KY 30 $78,021
Redmond, WA 28 $97,730
Irving, TX 26 $85,095
Houston, TX 25 $100,000
Charlotte, NC 22 $103,210

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary for Project Lead is $94,890, based on 1,070 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 25% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 35% since FY 2020 ($87,398 → $118,331).

Salaries span a $55,229 range from the 10th percentile ($72,738) to the 90th percentile ($127,967). The middle 50% of Project Leads earn between $81,057 and $110,383, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.

TATA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 218 certified filings at a median salary of $95,347. Among the top sponsors, MPHASIS pays the highest median at $125,000. The pay spread across top employers is 49%.

Geographically, Schaumburg, IL has the highest concentration of Project Lead H-1B filings (47) at a median of $90,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Chicago, IL at $105,760.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Project Lead H-1B salary?

The median H-1B salary for Project Lead positions is $94,890, based on 1,070 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 25% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $110,383 to $127,967, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $72,738 to $81,057. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.

10th percentile
$72,738
25th percentile
$81,057
Median
$94,890
75th percentile
$110,383
90th percentile
$127,967

Salaries range from $72,738 at the 10th percentile to $127,967 at the 90th percentile, showing a $55,229 spread. The 25th percentile is $81,057 and the 75th percentile is $110,383.

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
218
HCL
54
BITWISE
46

TATA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Project Lead positions with 218 filings at a median salary of $95,347. ATOS SYNTEL follows with 190 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 47 positions at a median salary of $90,000. The highest-paying location is Chicago, IL at $105,760 median.

How have Project Lead salaries changed over time?

Project Lead H-1B salaries have grown by +35% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $87,398 to $118,331 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.

Salary Distribution by Year
FY 21
$92K
FY 22
$96K
FY 23
$102K
FY 24
$97K
FY 25
$102K
FY 26
$118K
$70K $143K

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: $118,331 (70 certified)