Staff Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 120 certified H-1B filings for Staff Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $84,906, which is 35% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $80,891 and $162,510.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Engineer I salaries have grown 14% from FY 2020 ($77,677) to FY 2026 ($88,795).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| FERMI RESEARCH ALLIANCE | 26 | $80,900 |
| SAMSUNG AUSTIN SEMICONDUCTOR | 18 | $145,000 |
| VMWARE | 13 | $202,375 |
| FERMI FORWARD DISCOVERY GROUP | 10 | $84,906 |
| HR GREEN | 8 | $73,000 |
| BRAUN INTERTEC | 6 | $65,000 |
| JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES | 4 | $101,108 |
| PIVOTAL SOFTWARE | 3 | $202,836 |
| SERVICETITAN | 3 | $174,000 |
| VERDANTAS | 3 | $80,683 |
Top Locations for Staff Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Batavia, IL | 34 | $82,700 |
| Austin, TX | 18 | $145,000 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 11 | $208,250 |
| Houston, TX | 6 | $70,000 |
| Newport News, VA | 4 | $101,108 |
| Glendale, CA | 4 | $183,000 |
| Beaverton, OR | 2 | $202,836 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 2 | $192,941 |
| Aurora, IL | 2 | $74,002 |
| Plano, TX | 2 | $191,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer I is $84,906, based on 120 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 35% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 14% since FY 2020 ($77,677 → $88,795).
Salaries span a $131,855 range from the 10th percentile ($70,000) to the 90th percentile ($201,855). The middle 50% of Staff Engineer Is earn between $80,891 and $162,510, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
FERMI RESEARCH ALLIANCE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 26 certified filings at a median salary of $80,900. Among the top sponsors, PIVOTAL SOFTWARE pays the highest median at $202,836. The pay spread across top employers is 212%.
Geographically, Batavia, IL has the highest concentration of Staff Engineer I H-1B filings (34) at a median of $82,700. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Palo Alto, CA at $208,250.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer I positions is $84,906, based on 120 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 35% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $162,510 to $201,855, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $70,000 to $80,891. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $70,000
- 25th percentile
- $80,891
- Median
- $84,906
- 75th percentile
- $162,510
- 90th percentile
- $201,855
Salaries range from $70,000 at the 10th percentile to $201,855 at the 90th percentile, showing a $131,855 spread. The 25th percentile is $80,891 and the 75th percentile is $162,510.
Which companies hire the most Staff Engineer Is on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff Engineer I 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.
FERMI RESEARCH ALLIANCE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Engineer I positions with 26 filings at a median salary of $80,900. SAMSUNG AUSTIN SEMICONDUCTOR follows with 18 filings.
Where are Staff Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
Staff Engineer I 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 Is 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.
Batavia, IL has the highest concentration of Staff Engineer I H-1B filings with 34 positions at a median salary of $82,700. The highest-paying location is Palo Alto, CA at $208,250 median.
How have Staff Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Staff Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +14% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $77,677 to $88,795 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: $80,900 (34 certified)
- FY 2023: $145,000 (27 certified)
- FY 2024: $101,108 (20 certified)
- FY 2025: $84,900 (27 certified)
- FY 2026: $88,795 (3 certified)