Software Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 15,434 certified H-1B filings for Software Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $123,000, which is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Software Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $106,642 and $132,355.
Median Salary Trend
Software Engineer I salaries have grown 14% from FY 2020 ($113,400) to FY 2026 ($129,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Software Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| AMAZON | 11,511 | $128,565 |
| AMAZON DATA SERVICES | 202 | $126,200 |
| FISERV SOLUTIONS | 180 | $135,908 |
| UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION | 159 | $125,000 |
| AUDIBLE | 156 | $130,000 |
| NCR | 108 | $68,203 |
| NISUM TECHNOLOGIES | 87 | $105,000 |
| AMAZON DATA SERVICES | 84 | $112,000 |
| TUSIMPLE | 78 | $101,109 |
| AMAZON ADVERTISING | 67 | $129,000 |
Top Locations for Software Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 5,155 | $125,000 |
| Austin, TX | 797 | $124,000 |
| New York, NY | 796 | $129,000 |
| Bellevue, WA | 713 | $129,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 680 | $142,400 |
| Arlington, VA | 496 | $129,000 |
| East Palo Alto, CA | 495 | $146,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 429 | $135,720 |
| Boston, MA | 370 | $120,000 |
| San Diego, CA | 269 | $109,656 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Software Engineer I positions is $123,000, based on 15,434 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $120,000. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $132,355 to $148,400, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $82,000 to $106,642. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
Salaries range from $82,000 at the 10th percentile to $148,400 at the 90th percentile, showing a $66,400 spread. The 25th percentile is $106,642 and the 75th percentile is $132,355.
Which companies hire the most Software Engineer Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Software Engineer I 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.
AMAZON is the largest H-1B sponsor for Software Engineer I positions with 11,511 filings at a median salary of $128,565. AMAZON DATA SERVICES follows with 202 filings.
Where are Software Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
Software Engineer I 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 Engineer Is 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.
Seattle, WA has the highest concentration of Software Engineer I H-1B filings with 5,155 positions at a median salary of $125,000. The highest-paying location is Sunnyvale, CA at $142,400 median.
How have Software Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Software Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +14% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $113,400 to $129,000 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 (3,059 certified)
- FY 2023: $128,100 (3,222 certified)
- FY 2024: $128,400 (2,146 certified)
- FY 2025: $129,000 (2,119 certified)
- FY 2026: $129,000 (180 certified)