Staff QA Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 1,790 certified H-1B filings for Staff QA Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $138,320, which is 6% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff QA Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $120,000 and $157,477.
Median Salary Trend
Staff QA Engineer salaries have grown 29% from FY 2020 ($122,221) to FY 2026 ($157,581).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff QA Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| QUALCOMM | 408 | $133,370 |
| TESLA | 148 | $159,730 |
| SERVICENOW | 110 | $151,665 |
| QUALCOMM ATHEROS | 80 | $143,258 |
| VISA U.S.A. | 77 | $118,414 |
| CYBERSOURCE | 62 | $124,904 |
| VISA TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS | 58 | $117,166 |
| CHARLES SCHWAB AND | 45 | $103,854 |
| FORTINET | 44 | $152,855 |
| NETAPP | 31 | $145,000 |
Top Locations for Staff QA Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 448 | $133,370 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 158 | $167,149 |
| Austin, TX (all jobs) | 140 | $117,917 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 106 | $147,534 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 92 | $155,000 |
| Fremont, CA (all jobs) | 70 | $164,800 |
| Foster City, CA (all jobs) | 56 | $138,494 |
| Palo Alto, CA (all jobs) | 53 | $163,620 |
| Highlands Ranch, CO | 37 | $113,771 |
| Atlanta, GA | 21 | $117,166 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff QA Engineer is $138,320, based on 1,790 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 6% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 29% since FY 2020 ($122,221 → $157,581).
Salaries span a $67,402 range from the 10th percentile ($107,598) to the 90th percentile ($175,000). The middle 50% of Staff QA Engineers earn between $120,000 and $157,477, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
QUALCOMM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 408 certified filings at a median salary of $133,370. Among the top sponsors, TESLA pays the highest median at $159,730. The pay spread across top employers is 54%.
Geographically, San Diego, CA has the highest concentration of Staff QA Engineer H-1B filings (448) at a median of $133,370. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Santa Clara, CA at $167,149.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff QA Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff QA Engineer positions is $138,320, based on 1,790 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 6% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $157,477 to $175,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $107,598 to $120,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $107,598
- 25th percentile
- $120,000
- Median
- $138,320
- 75th percentile
- $157,477
- 90th percentile
- $175,000
Salaries range from $107,598 at the 10th percentile to $175,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $67,402 spread. The 25th percentile is $120,000 and the 75th percentile is $157,477.
Which companies hire the most Staff QA Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff QA 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 QA Engineer positions with 408 filings at a median salary of $133,370. TESLA follows with 148 filings.
Where are Staff QA Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Staff QA 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 QA 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 QA Engineer H-1B filings with 448 positions at a median salary of $133,370. The highest-paying location is Santa Clara, CA at $167,149 median.
How have Staff QA Engineer salaries changed over time?
Staff QA Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +29% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $122,221 to $157,581 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: $129,109 (373 certified)
- FY 2023: $133,370 (279 certified)
- FY 2024: $146,328 (279 certified)
- FY 2025: $152,027 (319 certified)
- FY 2026: $157,581 (64 certified)