R&D Engineer Software H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 692 certified H-1B filings for R&D Engineer Software positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $162,655, which is 24% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most R&D Engineer Software H-1B salaries fall between $142,667 and $186,466.
Median Salary Trend
R&D Engineer Software salaries have grown 27% from FY 2020 ($145,870) to FY 2026 ($185,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for R&D Engineer Software
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 260 | $146,807 |
| VMWARE | 215 | $190,486 |
| BROADCOM | 96 | $171,080 |
| BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS | 56 | $177,965 |
| CA | 34 | $142,667 |
| AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES US | 12 | $165,536 |
| LSI | 9 | $152,506 |
| BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS | 3 | $147,011 |
| EMULEX | 3 | $153,485 |
| PERFORCE SOFTWARE | 2 | $130,493 |
Top Locations for R&D Engineer Software
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 198 | $170,872 |
| Palo Alto, CA (all jobs) | 167 | $211,774 |
| Plano, TX | 41 | $134,992 |
| Burlington, MA | 41 | $151,514 |
| Lisle, IL | 33 | $141,121 |
| Durham, NC | 26 | $148,535 |
| Draper, UT | 20 | $130,000 |
| Culver City, CA | 17 | $142,667 |
| Austin, TX | 17 | $155,709 |
| Irvine, CA | 15 | $153,485 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for R&D Engineer Software is $162,655, based on 692 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 24% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 27% since FY 2020 ($145,870 → $185,000).
Salaries span a $92,205 range from the 10th percentile ($127,478) to the 90th percentile ($219,683). The middle 50% of R&D Engineer Softwares earn between $142,667 and $186,466, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
CA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 260 certified filings at a median salary of $146,807. Among the top sponsors, VMWARE pays the highest median at $190,486. The pay spread across top employers is 46%.
Geographically, San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of R&D Engineer Software H-1B filings (198) at a median of $170,872. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Palo Alto, CA at $211,774.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average R&D Engineer Software H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for R&D Engineer Software positions is $162,655, based on 692 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 24% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $186,466 to $219,683, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $127,478 to $142,667. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $127,478
- 25th percentile
- $142,667
- Median
- $162,655
- 75th percentile
- $186,466
- 90th percentile
- $219,683
Salaries range from $127,478 at the 10th percentile to $219,683 at the 90th percentile, showing a $92,205 spread. The 25th percentile is $142,667 and the 75th percentile is $186,466.
Which companies hire the most R&D Engineer Softwares on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for R&D Engineer Software 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.
CA is the largest H-1B sponsor for R&D Engineer Software positions with 260 filings at a median salary of $146,807. VMWARE follows with 215 filings.
Where are R&D Engineer Software H-1B jobs located?
R&D Engineer Software 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 Engineer Softwares 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.
San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of R&D Engineer Software H-1B filings with 198 positions at a median salary of $170,872. The highest-paying location is Palo Alto, CA at $211,774 median.
How have R&D Engineer Software salaries changed over time?
R&D Engineer Software H-1B salaries have grown by +27% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $145,870 to $185,000 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: $157,477 (103 certified)
- FY 2023: $151,317 (60 certified)
- FY 2024: $177,873 (103 certified)
- FY 2025: $182,771 (202 certified)
- FY 2026: $185,000 (76 certified)