Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 176 certified H-1B filings for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering 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, Hardware Development Engineering H-1B salaries fall between $116,085 and $144,664.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering salaries have grown 37% from FY 2020 ($111,884) to FY 2026 ($153,600).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES | 172 | $131,000 |
| HGST | 4 | $115,000 |
Top Locations for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 70 | $136,739 |
| Fremont, CA (all jobs) | 68 | $126,464 |
| Milpitas, CA | 18 | $126,984 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 5 | $141,955 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 3 | $142,114 |
| Elk Grove, CA | 2 | $94,141 |
| Newark, CA | 2 | $130,000 |
| Irvine, CA | 2 | $101,878 |
| Blacksburg, VA | 1 | $130,000 |
| Stanford, CA | 1 | $107,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering is $130,000, based on 176 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 37% since FY 2020 ($111,884 → $153,600).
Salaries span a $50,750 range from the 10th percentile ($105,000) to the 90th percentile ($155,750). The middle 50% of Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineerings earn between $116,085 and $144,664, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 172 certified filings at a median salary of $131,000. The pay spread across top employers is 14%.
Geographically, San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering H-1B filings (70) at a median of $136,739. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Sunnyvale, CA at $142,114.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering positions is $130,000, based on 176 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 $144,664 to $155,750, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $105,000 to $116,085. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $105,000
- 25th percentile
- $116,085
- Median
- $130,000
- 75th percentile
- $144,664
- 90th percentile
- $155,750
Salaries range from $105,000 at the 10th percentile to $155,750 at the 90th percentile, showing a $50,750 spread. The 25th percentile is $116,085 and the 75th percentile is $144,664.
Which companies hire the most Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineerings on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering 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.
WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering positions with 172 filings at a median salary of $131,000. HGST follows with 4 filings.
Where are Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering H-1B jobs located?
Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering 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, Hardware Development Engineerings 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, Hardware Development Engineering H-1B filings with 70 positions at a median salary of $136,739. The highest-paying location is Sunnyvale, CA at $142,114 median.
How have Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering salaries changed over time?
Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering H-1B salaries have grown by +37% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $111,884 to $153,600 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: $125,000 (25 certified)
- FY 2023: $134,514 (23 certified)
- FY 2024: $137,363 (34 certified)
- FY 2025: $137,093 (40 certified)
- FY 2026: $153,600 (24 certified)