Senior Systems Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 6,370 certified H-1B filings for Senior Systems Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $120,931, which is 4% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Systems Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $104,562 and $141,644.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Systems Engineer salaries have grown 23% from FY 2020 ($110,000) to FY 2026 ($135,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Systems Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| QUALCOMM | 280 | $112,882 |
| AT&T SERVICES | 146 | $148,000 |
| ROCKWELL COLLINS | 121 | $106,392 |
| IBM | 112 | $90,210 |
| AUTOZONE | 99 | $138,000 |
| SOUTHWEST AIRLINES | 94 | $134,992 |
| VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS | 80 | $109,928 |
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP | 76 | $94,806 |
| GENERAL MOTORS | 74 | $139,025 |
| EPAM SYSTEMS | 64 | $120,000 |
Top Locations for Senior Systems Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 225 | $114,400 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 194 | $120,000 |
| Dallas, TX (all jobs) | 183 | $128,315 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 140 | $175,000 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 139 | $136,192 |
| Atlanta, GA (all jobs) | 130 | $120,000 |
| Plano, TX (all jobs) | 121 | $141,000 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 115 | $145,816 |
| Alpharetta, GA (all jobs) | 111 | $105,040 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA (all jobs) | 98 | $104,478 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Systems Engineer is $120,931, based on 6,370 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 4% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 23% since FY 2020 ($110,000 → $135,000).
Salaries span a $71,744 range from the 10th percentile ($93,000) to the 90th percentile ($164,744). The middle 50% of Senior Systems Engineers earn between $104,562 and $141,644, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
QUALCOMM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 280 certified filings at a median salary of $112,882. Among the top sponsors, AT&T SERVICES pays the highest median at $148,000. The pay spread across top employers is 64%.
Geographically, San Diego, CA has the highest concentration of Senior Systems Engineer H-1B filings (225) at a median of $114,400. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $175,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Systems Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Systems Engineer positions is $120,931, based on 6,370 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 4% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $141,644 to $164,744, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $93,000 to $104,562. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $93,000
- 25th percentile
- $104,562
- Median
- $120,931
- 75th percentile
- $141,644
- 90th percentile
- $164,744
Salaries range from $93,000 at the 10th percentile to $164,744 at the 90th percentile, showing a $71,744 spread. The 25th percentile is $104,562 and the 75th percentile is $141,644.
Which companies hire the most Senior Systems Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior Systems 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.
QUALCOMM is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Systems Engineer positions with 280 filings at a median salary of $112,882. AT&T SERVICES follows with 146 filings.
Where are Senior Systems Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Senior Systems 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 Systems 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.
San Diego, CA has the highest concentration of Senior Systems Engineer H-1B filings with 225 positions at a median salary of $114,400. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $175,000 median.
How have Senior Systems Engineer salaries changed over time?
Senior Systems Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +23% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $110,000 to $135,000 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: $120,000 (1,071 certified)
- FY 2023: $120,000 (959 certified)
- FY 2024: $124,620 (864 certified)
- FY 2025: $134,992 (937 certified)
- FY 2026: $135,000 (632 certified)