R&D Engineer Software H-1B Salary in San Jose, CA
Employers have filed 190 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for R&D Engineer Software positions in San Jose, CA, with a median salary of $170,872. That's 6% higher than the national R&D Engineer Software H-1B median of $161,290 across all U.S. locations, and 17% higher than the San Jose, CA all-roles H-1B median of $146,307. R&D Engineer Software ranks #39 among H-1B job titles filed from San Jose, CA.
Headline numbers for R&D Engineer Software H-1B roles in San Jose, CA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #1,611 by filing volume out of the 6,873 job × city combinations we track — in the top quartile for R&D Engineer Software hiring.
R&D Engineer Software H-1B Salary Range in San Jose, CA
The pay distribution for this role spans $56,954 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $157,077 and $184,080, the interquartile range where most experienced R&D Engineer Softwares land. The median of $170,872 sits 6% higher than the national R&D Engineer Software H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $145,489
- 25th percentile
- $157,077
- Median
- $170,872
- 75th percentile
- $184,080
- 90th percentile
- $202,443
Top Employers Hiring R&D Engineer Softwares in San Jose, CA
BROADCOM is the largest H-1B sponsor for R&D Engineer Software in San Jose, CA, with 59 certified filings (31% of local R&D Engineer Software H-1B filings) at a median salary of $175,113. Among the top sponsors, BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS pays the highest median at $177,873. The pay spread across top employers is 15%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 15% ($154,669 at CA to $177,873 at BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| BROADCOM | 59 | $175,113 |
| CA | 53 | $161,290 |
| BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS | 51 | $177,873 |
| AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES US | 11 | $165,536 |
| CA | 9 | $154,669 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national R&D Engineer Software H-1B median across every U.S. location — a measure of how local cost-of-living and market demand shift pay up or down. The second is the all-roles H-1B median in San Jose, CA, which tells you whether R&D Engineer Software pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
R&D Engineer Software H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where R&D Engineer Software is an active H-1B role. Palo Alto, CA has the most filings (147) outside San Jose, CA. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CA | 147 | $212,260 |
Other H-1B Jobs in San Jose, CA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from San Jose, CA, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Engineer is the busiest non-R&D Engineer Software role here (8,169 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Staff Software Engineer at a median of $183,646.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 8,169 | $160,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 2,528 | $175,000 |
| Software Developer | 1,544 | $120,578 |
| Software Engineer III | 1,299 | $155,000 |
| Product Manager | 918 | $167,632 |
| Software Engineer II | 842 | $133,000 |
| Accountant | 805 | $108,000 |
| Data Scientist | 805 | $158,952 |
| Staff Software Engineer | 802 | $183,646 |
| Architect | 770 | $144,800 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for R&D Engineer Software in San Jose, CA is $170,872, based on 190 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 6% higher than the national R&D Engineer Software H-1B median of $161,290 across all U.S. locations. It is also 17% higher than the overall H-1B median of $146,307 in San Jose, CA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $56,954 range from the 10th percentile ($145,489) to the 90th percentile ($202,443). The middle 50% of workers earn between $157,077 and $184,080, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
BROADCOM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in San Jose, CA, with 59 certified filings at a median salary of $175,113. Among the top employers, BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS pays the highest median at $177,873. The pay spread across top employers is 15%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about R&D Engineer Software H-1B roles in San Jose, CA, answered directly from 190 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Every answer below cites the specific data point it's based on.
What is the average R&D Engineer Software salary in San Jose, CA?
The median H-1B salary for R&D Engineer Software positions in San Jose, CA is $170,872, based on 190 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $145,489
- 25th percentile
- $157,077
- Median
- $170,872
- 75th percentile
- $184,080
- 90th percentile
- $202,443
The salary distribution for R&D Engineer Software roles in San Jose, CA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $145,489, while the 90th percentile earns $202,443. This $56,954 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,541, R&D Engineer Software salaries in San Jose, CA are 31% higher, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire R&D Engineer Softwares in San Jose, CA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for R&D Engineer Software positions in San Jose, CA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for R&D Engineer Software roles specifically in San Jose, CA. BROADCOM leads with 59 filings at a median salary of $175,113. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $154,669 to $177,873.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a R&D Engineer Software in San Jose, CA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a R&D Engineer Software in San Jose, CA, you'll need a sponsoring employer. The process involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa
- The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor
- Once the LCA is certified, the employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS
- If selected in the H-1B lottery (if applicable) and approved, you can begin work
Based on our data, 190 H-1B positions for R&D Engineer Softwares in San Jose, CA have been certified, indicating strong demand for this role. The top sponsors listed above have a track record of successful H-1B sponsorship for this position.