Software Design Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 142 certified H-1B filings for Software Design Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $103,295, which is 21% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Software Design Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $92,102 and $125,000.
Median Salary Trend
Software Design Engineer salaries have grown -0% from FY 2020 ($100,000) to FY 2026 ($99,873).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Software Design Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF UTAH | 13 | $75,920 |
| TEMPORAL TECHNOLOGIES | 13 | $148,013 |
| PACTERA TECHNOLOGIES | 10 | $95,680 |
| MICROSOFT | 5 | $145,900 |
| ADISYS | 4 | $116,600 |
| C2S TECHNOLOGIES | 4 | $113,110 |
| TEKTRONIX | 4 | $107,765 |
| TELEDYNE LECROY | 4 | $98,577 |
| PACTERA TECHNOLOGIES NA | 4 | $97,760 |
| CLOUDIQ TECHNOLOGIES | 4 | $130,000 |
Top Locations for Software Design Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WA | 26 | $101,546 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 12 | $75,920 |
| Bellevue, WA | 11 | $133,598 |
| Novi, MI | 6 | $115,000 |
| Beaverton, OR | 4 | $107,765 |
| New York, NY | 4 | $130,000 |
| Chestnut Ridge, NY | 4 | $98,577 |
| Seattle, WA | 4 | $149,240 |
| Fairport, NY | 3 | $92,500 |
| San Jose, CA | 3 | $104,500 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Software Design Engineer is $103,295, based on 142 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 21% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $64,378 range from the 10th percentile ($77,000) to the 90th percentile ($141,378). The middle 50% of Software Design Engineers earn between $92,102 and $125,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 13 certified filings at a median salary of $75,920. Among the top sponsors, TEMPORAL TECHNOLOGIES pays the highest median at $148,013. The pay spread across top employers is 95%.
Geographically, Redmond, WA has the highest concentration of Software Design Engineer H-1B filings (26) at a median of $101,546. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Seattle, WA at $149,240.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Design Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Software Design Engineer positions is $103,295, based on 142 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 21% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $125,000 to $141,378, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $77,000 to $92,102. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $77,000
- 25th percentile
- $92,102
- Median
- $103,295
- 75th percentile
- $125,000
- 90th percentile
- $141,378
Salaries range from $77,000 at the 10th percentile to $141,378 at the 90th percentile, showing a $64,378 spread. The 25th percentile is $92,102 and the 75th percentile is $125,000.
Which companies hire the most Software Design Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Software Design Engineer positions is primarily driven by universities, research institutions, and academic medical centers. These employers sponsor international scholars and researchers who bring specialized expertise and contribute to teaching, research, and academic programs. Salaries vary based on institution type, geographic location, and field of specialization.
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH is the largest H-1B sponsor for Software Design Engineer positions with 13 filings at a median salary of $75,920. TEMPORAL TECHNOLOGIES follows with 13 filings.
Where are Software Design Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Software Design 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 Software Design 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.
Redmond, WA has the highest concentration of Software Design Engineer H-1B filings with 26 positions at a median salary of $101,546. The highest-paying location is Bellevue, WA at $133,598 median.
How have Software Design Engineer salaries changed over time?
Software Design Engineer H-1B salaries have changed by -0% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $100,000 to $99,873 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: $104,291 (28 certified)
- FY 2023: $120,000 (17 certified)
- FY 2024: $120,536 (14 certified)
- FY 2025: $116,600 (14 certified)
- FY 2026: $99,873 (1 certified)