Software Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 310,762 certified H-1B filings for Software Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $135,000, which is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Software Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $101,899 and $170,000.
Median Salary Trend
Software Engineer salaries have grown 35% from FY 2020 ($119,434) to FY 2026 ($160,805).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Software Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| 42,815 | $167,000 | |
| MICROSOFT | 36,341 | $155,700 |
| META | 14,249 | $197,480 |
| APPLE | 11,777 | $180,003 |
| MPHASIS | 4,601 | $120,000 |
| INTEL | 4,584 | $120,578 |
| SALESFORCE | 4,407 | $190,366 |
| JPMORGAN CHASE | 4,002 | $149,900 |
| 3,446 | $174,000 | |
| ADOBE | 2,336 | $165,182 |
Top Locations for Software Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WA (all jobs) | 25,202 | $157,000 |
| Mountain View, CA (all jobs) | 21,815 | $168,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 17,432 | $168,000 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 13,951 | $167,710 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 13,246 | $163,884 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 10,788 | $160,000 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 9,425 | $162,485 |
| Menlo Park, CA (all jobs) | 9,125 | $190,807 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 8,681 | $163,862 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 6,831 | $125,070 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Software Engineer is $135,000, based on 310,762 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 35% since FY 2020 ($119,434 → $160,805).
Salaries span a $114,000 range from the 10th percentile ($86,000) to the 90th percentile ($200,000). The middle 50% of Software Engineers earn between $101,899 and $170,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
GOOGLE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 42,815 certified filings at a median salary of $167,000. Among the top sponsors, META pays the highest median at $197,480. The pay spread across top employers is 65%.
Geographically, Redmond, WA has the highest concentration of Software Engineer H-1B filings (25,202) at a median of $157,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Menlo Park, CA at $190,807.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Software Engineer positions is $135,000, based on 310,762 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 7% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $170,000 to $200,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $86,000 to $101,899. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $86,000
- 25th percentile
- $101,899
- Median
- $135,000
- 75th percentile
- $170,000
- 90th percentile
- $200,000
Salaries range from $86,000 at the 10th percentile to $200,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $114,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $101,899 and the 75th percentile is $170,000.
Which companies hire the most Software Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Software 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.
GOOGLE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Software Engineer positions with 42,815 filings at a median salary of $167,000. MICROSOFT follows with 36,341 filings.
Where are Software Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Software 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 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 Engineer H-1B filings with 25,202 positions at a median salary of $157,000. The highest-paying location is Mountain View, CA at $168,000 median.
How have Software Engineer salaries changed over time?
Software Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +35% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $119,434 to $160,805 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: $131,000 (53,663 certified)
- FY 2023: $136,730 (43,547 certified)
- FY 2024: $140,026 (45,549 certified)
- FY 2025: $152,250 (46,309 certified)
- FY 2026: $160,805 (33,366 certified)