Senior Data Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 12,433 certified H-1B filings for Senior Data Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $131,040, which is about the same as the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Data Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $112,600 and $153,301.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Data Engineer salaries have grown 21% from FY 2020 ($115,939) to FY 2026 ($140,130).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Data Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| WALMART | 314 | $141,783 |
| CAREMARK | 261 | $140,000 |
| AETNA RESOURCES | 236 | $132,581 |
| OPTUM SERVICES | 220 | $111,197 |
| VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS | 217 | $123,000 |
| CAPITAL ONE SERVICES | 126 | $120,328 |
| EXUSIA | 98 | $95,000 |
| TESLA | 92 | $156,452 |
| HCL GLOBAL SYSTEMS | 90 | $111,176 |
| HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE | 88 | $117,021 |
Top Locations for Senior Data Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 466 | $151,819 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 419 | $132,683 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 375 | $171,000 |
| Irving, TX (all jobs) | 364 | $130,000 |
| Charlotte, NC (all jobs) | 362 | $128,606 |
| Chicago, IL (all jobs) | 337 | $125,445 |
| Plano, TX (all jobs) | 254 | $127,150 |
| Dallas, TX (all jobs) | 253 | $130,000 |
| Atlanta, GA (all jobs) | 249 | $127,379 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 213 | $165,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Data Engineer is $131,040, based on 12,433 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is about the same as the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 21% since FY 2020 ($115,939 → $140,130).
Salaries span a $82,820 range from the 10th percentile ($97,180) to the 90th percentile ($180,000). The middle 50% of Senior Data Engineers earn between $112,600 and $153,301, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
WALMART is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 314 certified filings at a median salary of $141,783. Among the top sponsors, TESLA pays the highest median at $156,452. The pay spread across top employers is 65%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Senior Data Engineer H-1B filings (466) at a median of $151,819. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $171,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Data Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Data Engineer positions is $131,040, based on 12,433 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is about the same as the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $153,301 to $180,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $97,180 to $112,600. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $97,180
- 25th percentile
- $112,600
- Median
- $131,040
- 75th percentile
- $153,301
- 90th percentile
- $180,000
Salaries range from $97,180 at the 10th percentile to $180,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $82,820 spread. The 25th percentile is $112,600 and the 75th percentile is $153,301.
Which companies hire the most Senior Data Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior Data 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.
WALMART is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Data Engineer positions with 314 filings at a median salary of $141,783. CAREMARK follows with 261 filings.
Where are Senior Data Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Senior Data 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 Senior Data 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.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Senior Data Engineer H-1B filings with 466 positions at a median salary of $151,819. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $171,000 median.
How have Senior Data Engineer salaries changed over time?
Senior Data Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +21% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $115,939 to $140,130 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: $128,000 (2,427 certified)
- FY 2023: $130,000 (1,996 certified)
- FY 2024: $137,114 (1,962 certified)
- FY 2025: $140,592 (2,376 certified)
- FY 2026: $140,130 (880 certified)