Specialist Programmer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 416 certified H-1B filings for Specialist Programmer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $85,530, which is 32% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Specialist Programmer H-1B salaries fall between $78,182 and $96,637.
Median Salary Trend
Specialist Programmer salaries have grown 44% from FY 2020 ($78,645) to FY 2026 ($112,923).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Specialist Programmer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| INFOSYS | 416 | $85,530 |
Top Locations for Specialist Programmer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Richardson, TX (all jobs) | 94 | $85,530 |
| Raleigh, NC | 42 | $87,714 |
| Austin, TX | 40 | $83,866 |
| Chicago, IL | 31 | $85,072 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 18 | $96,221 |
| Greenwood Village, CO | 12 | $120,536 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 11 | $78,645 |
| Bellevue, WA | 11 | $134,888 |
| Tampa, FL | 9 | $78,182 |
| Tempe, AZ | 9 | $83,179 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Specialist Programmer is $85,530, based on 416 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 32% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 44% since FY 2020 ($78,645 → $112,923).
Salaries span a $40,768 range from the 10th percentile ($72,779) to the 90th percentile ($113,547). The middle 50% of Specialist Programmers earn between $78,182 and $96,637, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
INFOSYS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 416 certified filings at a median salary of $85,530.
Geographically, Richardson, TX has the highest concentration of Specialist Programmer H-1B filings (94) at a median of $85,530. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Bellevue, WA at $134,888.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Specialist Programmer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Specialist Programmer positions is $85,530, based on 416 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 32% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $96,637 to $113,547, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $72,779 to $78,182. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $72,779
- 25th percentile
- $78,182
- Median
- $85,530
- 75th percentile
- $96,637
- 90th percentile
- $113,547
Salaries range from $72,779 at the 10th percentile to $113,547 at the 90th percentile, showing a $40,768 spread. The 25th percentile is $78,182 and the 75th percentile is $96,637.
Which companies hire the most Specialist Programmers on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Specialist Programmer roles includes both technology companies hiring directly and IT consulting firms that place workers at client sites. Direct-hire positions at tech companies often offer higher base salaries and equity packages, while consulting roles provide diverse project experience across industries.
INFOSYS is the largest H-1B sponsor for Specialist Programmer positions with 416 filings at a median salary of $85,530.
Where are Specialist Programmer H-1B jobs located?
Specialist Programmer 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 Specialist Programmers 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.
Richardson, TX has the highest concentration of Specialist Programmer H-1B filings with 94 positions at a median salary of $85,530. The highest-paying location is Sunnyvale, CA at $96,221 median.
How have Specialist Programmer salaries changed over time?
Specialist Programmer H-1B salaries have grown by +44% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $78,645 to $112,923 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: $89,565 (69 certified)
- FY 2023: $76,731 (73 certified)
- FY 2024: $78,624 (81 certified)
- FY 2025: $85,530 (72 certified)
- FY 2026: $112,923 (71 certified)