Staff Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 3,298 certified H-1B filings for Staff Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $153,130, which is 21% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $99,965 and $189,592.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Engineer salaries have grown 17% from FY 2020 ($137,259) to FY 2026 ($161,179).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| VMWARE | 248 | $206,700 |
| ARM | 138 | $154,565 |
| SAMSUNG AUSTIN SEMICONDUCTOR | 124 | $170,000 |
| SAMSUNG SEMICONDUCTOR | 120 | $166,137 |
| MEDIATEK USA | 103 | $141,000 |
| BTI SOLUTIONS | 74 | $61,069 |
| SEAGATE US | 71 | $126,027 |
| TERRACON CONSULTANTS | 66 | $75,000 |
| VMWARE | 65 | $195,000 |
| NUTANIX | 62 | $172,640 |
Top Locations for Staff Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 398 | $180,003 |
| Palo Alto, CA (all jobs) | 282 | $207,500 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 273 | $154,565 |
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 114 | $144,248 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 113 | $200,000 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 110 | $157,831 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 99 | $200,000 |
| Houston, TX (all jobs) | 82 | $75,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 79 | $183,726 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 63 | $95,680 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer is $153,130, based on 3,298 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 21% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 17% since FY 2020 ($137,259 → $161,179).
Salaries span a $150,000 range from the 10th percentile ($70,000) to the 90th percentile ($220,000). The middle 50% of Staff Engineers earn between $99,965 and $189,592, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
VMWARE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 248 certified filings at a median salary of $206,700. The pay spread across top employers is 238%.
Geographically, San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Engineer H-1B filings (398) at a median of $180,003. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Palo Alto, CA at $207,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer positions is $153,130, based on 3,298 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 21% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $189,592 to $220,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $70,000 to $99,965. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $70,000
- 25th percentile
- $99,965
- Median
- $153,130
- 75th percentile
- $189,592
- 90th percentile
- $220,000
Salaries range from $70,000 at the 10th percentile to $220,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $150,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $99,965 and the 75th percentile is $189,592.
Which companies hire the most Staff Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff 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.
VMWARE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Engineer positions with 248 filings at a median salary of $206,700. ARM follows with 138 filings.
Where are Staff Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Staff 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 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.
San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Engineer H-1B filings with 398 positions at a median salary of $180,003. The highest-paying location is Palo Alto, CA at $207,500 median.
How have Staff Engineer salaries changed over time?
Staff Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +17% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $137,259 to $161,179 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: $157,394 (472 certified)
- FY 2023: $160,000 (457 certified)
- FY 2024: $151,216 (370 certified)
- FY 2025: $154,565 (513 certified)
- FY 2026: $161,179 (426 certified)