Staff Data Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 1,064 certified H-1B filings for Staff Data Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $163,550, which is 25% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Data Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $143,000 and $185,000.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Data Engineer salaries have grown 2% from FY 2020 ($167,103) to FY 2026 ($169,743).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Data Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS | 138 | $144,726 |
| WALMART | 97 | $153,301 |
| TESLA | 64 | $195,175 |
| CAREMARK | 32 | $170,000 |
| AETNA RESOURCES | 28 | $160,000 |
| SERVICENOW | 27 | $146,827 |
| HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE | 27 | $138,854 |
| EARLY WARNING SERVICES | 22 | $145,000 |
| VISA U.S.A. | 18 | $141,378 |
| PROCORE TECHNOLOGIES | 15 | $163,147 |
Top Locations for Staff Data Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 117 | $139,464 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 55 | $204,214 |
| Foster City, CA (all jobs) | 52 | $166,358 |
| Fremont, CA (all jobs) | 51 | $195,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 41 | $168,154 |
| Hartford, CT | 38 | $146,500 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 37 | $163,800 |
| Bentonville, AR | 35 | $149,968 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 33 | $173,487 |
| New York, NY | 26 | $175,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Data Engineer is $163,550, based on 1,064 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 25% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 2% since FY 2020 ($167,103 → $169,743).
Salaries span a $83,600 range from the 10th percentile ($127,000) to the 90th percentile ($210,600). The middle 50% of Staff Data Engineers earn between $143,000 and $185,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 138 certified filings at a median salary of $144,726. Among the top sponsors, TESLA pays the highest median at $195,175. The pay spread across top employers is 41%.
Geographically, Austin, TX has the highest concentration of Staff Data Engineer H-1B filings (117) at a median of $139,464. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $204,214.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Data Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Data Engineer positions is $163,550, based on 1,064 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 25% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $185,000 to $210,600, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $127,000 to $143,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $127,000
- 25th percentile
- $143,000
- Median
- $163,550
- 75th percentile
- $185,000
- 90th percentile
- $210,600
Salaries range from $127,000 at the 10th percentile to $210,600 at the 90th percentile, showing a $83,600 spread. The 25th percentile is $143,000 and the 75th percentile is $185,000.
Which companies hire the most Staff Data Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff Data 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.
VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Data Engineer positions with 138 filings at a median salary of $144,726. WALMART follows with 97 filings.
Where are Staff Data Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Staff Data 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 Staff Data 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.
Austin, TX has the highest concentration of Staff Data Engineer H-1B filings with 117 positions at a median salary of $139,464. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $204,214 median.
How have Staff Data Engineer salaries changed over time?
Staff Data Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +2% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $167,103 to $169,743 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: $160,000 (178 certified)
- FY 2023: $165,360 (143 certified)
- FY 2024: $160,000 (212 certified)
- FY 2025: $166,410 (265 certified)
- FY 2026: $169,743 (109 certified)