Software Engineer H-1B Salary in Des Moines, IA
Employers have filed 129 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Software Engineer positions in Des Moines, IA, with a median salary of $86,000. That's 35% lower than the national Software Engineer H-1B median of $133,000 across all U.S. locations, and 1% lower than the Des Moines, IA all-roles H-1B median of $87,246. Software Engineer ranks #2 among H-1B job titles filed from Des Moines, IA.
Headline numbers for Software Engineer H-1B roles in Des Moines, IA, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #2,508 by filing volume out of the 6,873 job × city combinations we track — a moderately active market for Software Engineer hiring.
Software Engineer H-1B Salary Range in Des Moines, IA
The pay distribution for this role spans $38,474 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $80,600 and $100,000, the interquartile range where most experienced Software Engineers land. The median of $86,000 sits 35% lower than the national Software Engineer H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $74,526
- 25th percentile
- $80,600
- Median
- $86,000
- 75th percentile
- $100,000
- 90th percentile
- $113,000
Top Employers Hiring Software Engineers in Des Moines, IA
SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES is the largest H-1B sponsor for Software Engineer in Des Moines, IA, with 8 certified filings (6% of local Software Engineer H-1B filings) at a median salary of $97,760. Among the top sponsors, MPHASIS pays the highest median at $130,000. The pay spread across top employers is 53%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 53% ($84,718 at NATSOFT to $130,000 at MPHASIS)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES | 8 | $97,760 |
| WELLMARK | 7 | $85,384 |
| NATSOFT | 6 | $84,718 |
| MPHASIS | 6 | $130,000 |
| CHELSOFT SOLUTIONS | 5 | $93,600 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Software Engineer H-1B median across every U.S. location — a measure of how local cost-of-living and market demand shift pay up or down. The second is the all-roles H-1B median in Des Moines, IA, which tells you whether Software Engineer pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Software Engineer H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Software Engineer is an active H-1B role. Redmond, WA has the most filings (23,374) outside Des Moines, IA. The highest median among these is Menlo Park, CA at $190,000. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WA | 23,374 | $155,289 |
| Mountain View, CA | 19,967 | $167,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 15,458 | $167,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 12,596 | $165,000 |
| New York, NY | 11,602 | $160,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 9,911 | $158,500 |
| San Jose, CA | 8,169 | $160,000 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 8,126 | $190,000 |
| Bellevue, WA | 7,788 | $161,250 |
| Austin, TX | 6,127 | $125,000 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Des Moines, IA
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Des Moines, IA, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Developer is the busiest non-Software Engineer role here (283 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Physician at a median of $250,000.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 283 | $88,225 |
| Manager | 97 | $88,816 |
| Senior Systems Analyst | 83 | $72,405 |
| Java Developer | 60 | $91,936 |
| Physician | 59 | $250,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Software Engineer in Des Moines, IA is $86,000, based on 129 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 35% lower than the national Software Engineer H-1B median of $133,000 across all U.S. locations. It is also 1% lower than the overall H-1B median of $87,246 in Des Moines, IA across all job titles.
Salaries span a $38,474 range from the 10th percentile ($74,526) to the 90th percentile ($113,000). The middle 50% of workers earn between $80,600 and $100,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Des Moines, IA, with 8 certified filings at a median salary of $97,760. Among the top employers, MPHASIS pays the highest median at $130,000. The pay spread across top employers is 53%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Software Engineer H-1B roles in Des Moines, IA, answered directly from 129 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Every answer below cites the specific data point it's based on.
What is the average Software Engineer salary in Des Moines, IA?
The median H-1B salary for Software Engineer positions in Des Moines, IA is $86,000, based on 129 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $74,526
- 25th percentile
- $80,600
- Median
- $86,000
- 75th percentile
- $100,000
- 90th percentile
- $113,000
The salary distribution for Software Engineer roles in Des Moines, IA shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $74,526, while the 90th percentile earns $113,000. This $38,474 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,541, Software Engineer salaries in Des Moines, IA are 34% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Software Engineers in Des Moines, IA?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Software Engineer positions in Des Moines, IA are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Software Engineer roles specifically in Des Moines, IA. SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES leads with 8 filings at a median salary of $97,760. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $84,718 to $130,000.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Software Engineer in Des Moines, IA?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Software Engineer in Des Moines, IA, you'll need a sponsoring employer. The process involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa
- The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor
- Once the LCA is certified, the employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS
- If selected in the H-1B lottery (if applicable) and approved, you can begin work
Based on our data, 129 H-1B positions for Software Engineers in Des Moines, IA have been certified, indicating strong demand for this role. The top sponsors listed above have a track record of successful H-1B sponsorship for this position.