R&D Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 484 certified H-1B filings for R&D Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $102,482, which is 19% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most R&D Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $83,013 and $127,616.
Median Salary Trend
R&D Engineer salaries have grown 15% from FY 2020 ($95,000) to FY 2026 ($109,283).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for R&D Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| SYNOPSYS | 132 | $132,400 |
| INTELLECTT | 19 | $95,680 |
| ANSYS | 16 | $72,883 |
| THE FOUNTAIN GROUP | 14 | $114,400 |
| KOH YOUNG AMERICA | 13 | $115,000 |
| VASTEK | 9 | $90,126 |
| INTELLECTT | 9 | $96,949 |
| PSIQUANTUM | 8 | $132,808 |
| ADVANTEST AMERICA | 7 | $96,866 |
| APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS | 6 | $92,560 |
Top Locations for R&D Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain View, CA | 45 | $147,486 |
| Plymouth, MN | 24 | $108,000 |
| San Diego, CA | 23 | $115,000 |
| Hillsboro, OR | 21 | $108,621 |
| Marlborough, MA | 15 | $122,310 |
| San Jose, CA | 15 | $116,251 |
| Irvine, CA | 14 | $91,520 |
| Austin, TX | 13 | $127,312 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 13 | $136,739 |
| Dallas, TX | 9 | $90,353 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for R&D Engineer is $102,482, based on 484 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 19% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 15% since FY 2020 ($95,000 → $109,283).
Salaries span a $74,545 range from the 10th percentile ($73,300) to the 90th percentile ($147,845). The middle 50% of R&D Engineers earn between $83,013 and $127,616, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
SYNOPSYS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 132 certified filings at a median salary of $132,400. Among the top sponsors, PSIQUANTUM pays the highest median at $132,808. The pay spread across top employers is 82%.
Geographically, Mountain View, CA has the highest concentration of R&D Engineer H-1B filings (45) at a median of $147,486.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average R&D Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for R&D Engineer positions is $102,482, based on 484 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 19% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $127,616 to $147,845, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $73,300 to $83,013. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $73,300
- 25th percentile
- $83,013
- Median
- $102,482
- 75th percentile
- $127,616
- 90th percentile
- $147,845
Salaries range from $73,300 at the 10th percentile to $147,845 at the 90th percentile, showing a $74,545 spread. The 25th percentile is $83,013 and the 75th percentile is $127,616.
Which companies hire the most R&D Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for R&D 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.
SYNOPSYS is the largest H-1B sponsor for R&D Engineer positions with 132 filings at a median salary of $132,400. INTELLECTT follows with 19 filings.
Where are R&D Engineer H-1B jobs located?
R&D 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 R&D 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.
Mountain View, CA has the highest concentration of R&D Engineer H-1B filings with 45 positions at a median salary of $147,486.
How have R&D Engineer salaries changed over time?
R&D Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +15% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $95,000 to $109,283 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: $108,160 (96 certified)
- FY 2023: $102,420 (65 certified)
- FY 2024: $102,900 (48 certified)
- FY 2025: $98,000 (35 certified)
- FY 2026: $109,283 (40 certified)