QA Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 950 certified H-1B filings for QA Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $95,638, which is 27% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most QA Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $76,523 and $117,580.
Median Salary Trend
QA Engineer I salaries have grown 22% from FY 2020 ($96,323) to FY 2026 ($117,548).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for QA Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AMAZON | 480 | $113,000 |
| MPHASIS | 56 | $68,702 |
| ETOUCH SYSTEMS | 45 | $95,638 |
| VIRTUSA | 42 | $72,301 |
| FISERV SOLUTIONS | 27 | $118,414 |
| AUDIBLE | 22 | $113,603 |
| WIPRO | 13 | $74,610 |
| BECTON, DICKINSON AND | 8 | $70,000 |
| UMLAUT | 8 | $80,163 |
| TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER | 7 | $85,000 |
Top Locations for QA Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 146 | $108,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 111 | $120,900 |
| Austin, TX | 31 | $108,400 |
| Irvine, CA | 30 | $113,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 26 | $95,638 |
| San Francisco, CA | 25 | $113,000 |
| Mountain View, CA | 21 | $95,000 |
| Bellevue, WA | 18 | $104,200 |
| Newark, NJ | 17 | $113,469 |
| Houston, TX | 16 | $64,479 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for QA Engineer I is $95,638, based on 950 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 27% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 22% since FY 2020 ($96,323 → $117,548).
Salaries span a $65,521 range from the 10th percentile ($64,479) to the 90th percentile ($130,000). The middle 50% of QA Engineer Is earn between $76,523 and $117,580, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 480 certified filings at a median salary of $113,000. Among the top sponsors, FISERV SOLUTIONS pays the highest median at $118,414. The pay spread across top employers is 72%.
Geographically, Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of QA Engineer I H-1B filings (146) at a median of $108,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Sunnyvale, CA at $120,900.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average QA Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for QA Engineer I positions is $95,638, based on 950 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 27% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $117,580 to $130,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $64,479 to $76,523. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $64,479
- 25th percentile
- $76,523
- Median
- $95,638
- 75th percentile
- $117,580
- 90th percentile
- $130,000
Salaries range from $64,479 at the 10th percentile to $130,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $65,521 spread. The 25th percentile is $76,523 and the 75th percentile is $117,580.
Which companies hire the most QA Engineer Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for QA Engineer I 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.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for QA Engineer I positions with 480 filings at a median salary of $113,000. MPHASIS follows with 56 filings.
Where are QA Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
QA Engineer I 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 QA Engineer Is 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.
Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of QA Engineer I H-1B filings with 146 positions at a median salary of $108,000. The highest-paying location is Sunnyvale, CA at $120,900 median.
How have QA Engineer I salaries changed over time?
QA Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +22% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $96,323 to $117,548 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: $97,760 (230 certified)
- FY 2023: $88,512 (124 certified)
- FY 2024: $112,100 (120 certified)
- FY 2025: $93,600 (94 certified)
- FY 2026: $117,548 (17 certified)