Staff Machine Learning Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 584 certified H-1B filings for Staff Machine Learning Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $199,534, which is 53% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $163,862 and $240,000.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Machine Learning Engineer salaries have grown 55% from FY 2020 ($154,500) to FY 2026 ($239,500).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Machine Learning Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| QUALCOMM | 105 | $154,500 |
| COUPANG GLOBAL | 35 | $211,536 |
| SERVICENOW | 29 | $192,941 |
| 26 | $184,662 | |
| TESLA | 23 | $248,400 |
| PALO ALTO NETWORKS | 18 | $183,881 |
| 17 | $228,620 | |
| VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS | 17 | $139,800 |
| CRUISE | 11 | $270,000 |
| PAYPAL | 11 | $230,000 |
Top Locations for Staff Machine Learning Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 91 | $154,500 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 75 | $226,600 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 62 | $199,534 |
| Palo Alto, CA (all jobs) | 51 | $232,690 |
| Seattle, WA | 38 | $196,914 |
| Mountain View, CA | 35 | $226,158 |
| San Jose, CA | 28 | $215,000 |
| New York, NY | 23 | $223,100 |
| Austin, TX | 21 | $139,800 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 12 | $270,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Machine Learning Engineer is $199,534, based on 584 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 53% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 55% since FY 2020 ($154,500 → $239,500).
Salaries span a $121,600 range from the 10th percentile ($148,400) to the 90th percentile ($270,000). The middle 50% of Staff Machine Learning Engineers earn between $163,862 and $240,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
QUALCOMM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 105 certified filings at a median salary of $154,500. Among the top sponsors, CRUISE pays the highest median at $270,000. The pay spread across top employers is 93%.
Geographically, San Diego, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings (91) at a median of $154,500. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Sunnyvale, CA at $270,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Machine Learning Engineer positions is $199,534, based on 584 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 53% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $240,000 to $270,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $148,400 to $163,862. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $148,400
- 25th percentile
- $163,862
- Median
- $199,534
- 75th percentile
- $240,000
- 90th percentile
- $270,000
Salaries range from $148,400 at the 10th percentile to $270,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $121,600 spread. The 25th percentile is $163,862 and the 75th percentile is $240,000.
Which companies hire the most Staff Machine Learning Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff Machine Learning 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.
QUALCOMM is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Machine Learning Engineer positions with 105 filings at a median salary of $154,500. COUPANG GLOBAL follows with 35 filings.
Where are Staff Machine Learning Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Staff Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning 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 Diego, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings with 91 positions at a median salary of $154,500. The highest-paying location is Palo Alto, CA at $232,690 median.
How have Staff Machine Learning Engineer salaries changed over time?
Staff Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +55% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $154,500 to $239,500 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: $187,500 (63 certified)
- FY 2023: $192,941 (69 certified)
- FY 2024: $185,691 (104 certified)
- FY 2025: $206,315 (164 certified)
- FY 2026: $239,500 (108 certified)