Senior Programmer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 136 certified H-1B filings for Senior Programmer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $104,500, which is 20% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Programmer H-1B salaries fall between $82,056 and $121,160.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Programmer salaries have grown 22% from FY 2020 ($94,307) to FY 2026 ($115,005).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Programmer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| COMMUNICATIONS TEST DESIGN | 27 | $125,653 |
| IBM | 9 | $79,668 |
| ELEMENT TECHNOLOGIES | 7 | $77,646 |
| TMNA SERVICES | 6 | $127,600 |
| IBM INDIA PRIVATE | 5 | $79,227 |
| HIRE IT PEOPLE | 4 | $116,480 |
| MONARCH INFOTECH SERVICES | 3 | $105,997 |
| TPF SOFTWARE | 3 | $95,000 |
| CATO RESEARCH | 3 | $78,000 |
| KIERTECH | 3 | $132,080 |
Top Locations for Senior Programmer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | 17 | $79,668 |
| West Chester, PA | 10 | $128,100 |
| Albany, NY | 5 | $87,318 |
| Piscataway, NJ | 5 | $77,646 |
| Flower Mound, TX | 5 | $120,098 |
| Providence, RI | 4 | $116,480 |
| Coatesville, PA | 4 | $125,653 |
| Morrisville, NC | 3 | $107,287 |
| Frankfort, KY | 3 | $66,976 |
| Irving, TX | 3 | $94,307 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Programmer is $104,500, based on 136 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 20% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 22% since FY 2020 ($94,307 → $115,005).
Salaries span a $53,956 range from the 10th percentile ($77,646) to the 90th percentile ($131,602). The middle 50% of Senior Programmers earn between $82,056 and $121,160, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
COMMUNICATIONS TEST DESIGN is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 27 certified filings at a median salary of $125,653. Among the top sponsors, KIERTECH pays the highest median at $132,080. The pay spread across top employers is 70%.
Geographically, Phoenix, AZ has the highest concentration of Senior Programmer H-1B filings (17) at a median of $79,668. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is West Chester, PA at $128,100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Programmer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Programmer positions is $104,500, based on 136 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 20% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $121,160 to $131,602, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $77,646 to $82,056. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $77,646
- 25th percentile
- $82,056
- Median
- $104,500
- 75th percentile
- $121,160
- 90th percentile
- $131,602
Salaries range from $77,646 at the 10th percentile to $131,602 at the 90th percentile, showing a $53,956 spread. The 25th percentile is $82,056 and the 75th percentile is $121,160.
Which companies hire the most Senior Programmers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior Programmer 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.
COMMUNICATIONS TEST DESIGN is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Programmer positions with 27 filings at a median salary of $125,653. IBM follows with 9 filings.
Where are Senior Programmer H-1B jobs located?
Senior Programmer 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 Programmers 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.
Phoenix, AZ has the highest concentration of Senior Programmer H-1B filings with 17 positions at a median salary of $79,668. The highest-paying location is West Chester, PA at $128,100 median.
How have Senior Programmer salaries changed over time?
Senior Programmer H-1B salaries have grown by +22% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $94,307 to $115,005 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: $94,000 (26 certified)
- FY 2023: $110,000 (17 certified)
- FY 2024: $120,000 (18 certified)
- FY 2025: $121,750 (24 certified)
- FY 2026: $115,005 (6 certified)