Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 121 certified H-1B filings for Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $132,000, which is 1% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering H-1B salaries fall between $125,000 and $140,525.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering salaries have grown -5% from FY 2020 ($121,900) to FY 2026 ($115,253).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| WESTERN DIGITAL | 116 | $132,000 |
| HGST | 3 | $150,000 |
| SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES | 2 | $115,253 |
Top Locations for Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | 45 | $134,514 |
| Milpitas, CA | 32 | $134,514 |
| Fremont, CA | 11 | $132,000 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 6 | $125,000 |
| Dublin, CA | 3 | $128,237 |
| Irvine, CA | 2 | $115,253 |
| Anaheim, CA | 2 | $115,253 |
| Evanston, IL | 1 | $121,900 |
| Emeryville, CA | 1 | $122,000 |
| Fishkill, NY | 1 | $150,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering is $132,000, based on 121 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 1% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -5% since FY 2020 ($121,900 → $115,253).
Salaries span a $30,000 range from the 10th percentile ($120,000) to the 90th percentile ($150,000). The middle 50% of Staff Engineer, R&D Engineerings earn between $125,000 and $140,525, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
WESTERN DIGITAL is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 116 certified filings at a median salary of $132,000. Among the top sponsors, HGST pays the highest median at $150,000. The pay spread across top employers is 30%.
Geographically, San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering H-1B filings (45) at a median of $134,514. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Fishkill, NY at $150,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering positions is $132,000, based on 121 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 1% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $140,525 to $150,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $120,000 to $125,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $120,000
- 25th percentile
- $125,000
- Median
- $132,000
- 75th percentile
- $140,525
- 90th percentile
- $150,000
Salaries range from $120,000 at the 10th percentile to $150,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $30,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $125,000 and the 75th percentile is $140,525.
Which companies hire the most Staff Engineer, R&D Engineerings on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff Engineer, R&D 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 is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering positions with 116 filings at a median salary of $132,000. HGST follows with 3 filings.
Where are Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering H-1B jobs located?
Staff Engineer, R&D 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, R&D 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, R&D Engineering H-1B filings with 45 positions at a median salary of $134,514.
How have Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering salaries changed over time?
Staff Engineer, R&D Engineering H-1B salaries have changed by -5% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $121,900 to $115,253 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: $132,000 (27 certified)
- FY 2023: $130,000 (35 certified)
- FY 2024: $140,525 (15 certified)
- FY 2025: $155,043 (4 certified)
- FY 2026: $115,253 (2 certified)