Staff Engineer 2 H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 100 certified H-1B filings for Staff Engineer 2 positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $130,000, which is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Engineer 2 H-1B salaries fall between $95,800 and $211,438.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Engineer 2 salaries have grown -13% from FY 2020 ($150,000) to FY 2026 ($130,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Engineer 2
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| STANFORD UNIVERSITY/SLAC NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY | 33 | $95,800 |
| LELAND STANFORD JR. UNIV/SLAC NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LAB | 30 | $130,000 |
| VMWARE | 21 | $256,222 |
| HBO SERVICE | 7 | $148,750 |
| VMWARE | 4 | $215,500 |
| WESTERN ALLIANCE BANK | 3 | $151,740 |
| HOME BOX OFFICE | 1 | $150,000 |
| UNITED STATES GYPSUM | 1 | $118,214 |
Top Locations for Staff Engineer 2
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Menlo Park, CA (all jobs) | 58 | $103,407 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 20 | $253,680 |
| Seattle, WA | 6 | $150,000 |
| Stanford, CA | 4 | $103,407 |
| New York, NY | 2 | $150,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 1 | $100,395 |
| Cerritos, CA | 1 | $246,574 |
| Boston, MA | 1 | $259,937 |
| San Jose, CA | 1 | $256,222 |
| Atlanta, GA | 1 | $216,657 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer 2 is $130,000, based on 100 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown -13% since FY 2020 ($150,000 → $130,000).
Salaries span a $167,449 range from the 10th percentile ($92,488) to the 90th percentile ($259,937). The middle 50% of Staff Engineer 2s earn between $95,800 and $211,438, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY/SLAC NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 33 certified filings at a median salary of $95,800. Among the top sponsors, VMWARE pays the highest median at $256,222. The pay spread across top employers is 167%.
Geographically, Menlo Park, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Engineer 2 H-1B filings (58) at a median of $103,407. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Boston, MA at $259,937.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Engineer 2 H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer 2 positions is $130,000, based on 100 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 3% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $211,438 to $259,937, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $92,488 to $95,800. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $92,488
- 25th percentile
- $95,800
- Median
- $130,000
- 75th percentile
- $211,438
- 90th percentile
- $259,937
Salaries range from $92,488 at the 10th percentile to $259,937 at the 90th percentile, showing a $167,449 spread. The 25th percentile is $95,800 and the 75th percentile is $211,438.
Which companies hire the most Staff Engineer 2s on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff Engineer 2 positions is primarily driven by universities, research institutions, and academic medical centers. These employers sponsor international scholars and researchers who bring specialized expertise and contribute to teaching, research, and academic programs. Salaries vary based on institution type, geographic location, and field of specialization.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY/SLAC NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Engineer 2 positions with 33 filings at a median salary of $95,800. LELAND STANFORD JR. UNIV/SLAC NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LAB follows with 30 filings.
Where are Staff Engineer 2 H-1B jobs located?
Staff Engineer 2 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 Engineer 2s 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.
Menlo Park, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Engineer 2 H-1B filings with 58 positions at a median salary of $103,407. The highest-paying location is Palo Alto, CA at $253,680 median.
How have Staff Engineer 2 salaries changed over time?
Staff Engineer 2 H-1B salaries have changed by -13% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $150,000 to $130,000 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: $103,407 (19 certified)
- FY 2023: $253,680 (16 certified)
- FY 2024: $95,800 (9 certified)
- FY 2025: $130,000 (19 certified)
- FY 2026: $130,000 (7 certified)