Staff Software Applications Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 231 certified H-1B filings for Staff Software Applications Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $133,370, which is 2% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Software Applications Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $117,600 and $150,095.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Software Applications Engineer salaries have grown 32% from FY 2020 ($117,021) to FY 2026 ($154,221).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Software Applications Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| QUALCOMM | 119 | $123,500 |
| QUALCOMM ATHEROS | 45 | $148,809 |
| TESLA | 26 | $162,615 |
| QUALCOMM INNOVATION CENTER | 21 | $133,370 |
| CHARLES SCHWAB AND | 13 | $100,000 |
| EXTREME NETWORKS | 3 | $121,000 |
| QUALCOMM INNOVATION CENTER | 1 | $113,000 |
| EXTREME NETWORKS | 1 | $140,000 |
| ZSCALER | 1 | $170,000 |
| RIVIAN AND VW GROUP TECHNOLOGY | 1 | $200,035 |
Top Locations for Staff Software Applications Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 85 | $120,224 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 33 | $150,095 |
| Fremont, CA | 17 | $162,615 |
| San Jose, CA | 16 | $157,477 |
| Auburn Hills, MI | 13 | $123,500 |
| Austin, TX | 10 | $123,500 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 5 | $175,000 |
| Farmington Hills, MI | 5 | $123,500 |
| Pleasanton, CA | 4 | $144,726 |
| Novi, MI | 4 | $120,349 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Software Applications Engineer is $133,370, based on 231 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 2% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 32% since FY 2020 ($117,021 → $154,221).
Salaries span a $46,415 range from the 10th percentile ($116,200) to the 90th percentile ($162,615). The middle 50% of Staff Software Applications Engineers earn between $117,600 and $150,095, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
QUALCOMM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 119 certified filings at a median salary of $123,500. Among the top sponsors, RIVIAN AND VW GROUP TECHNOLOGY pays the highest median at $200,035. The pay spread across top employers is 100%.
Geographically, San Diego, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Software Applications Engineer H-1B filings (85) at a median of $120,224. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Palo Alto, CA at $175,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Software Applications Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Software Applications Engineer positions is $133,370, based on 231 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 2% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $150,095 to $162,615, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $116,200 to $117,600. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $116,200
- 25th percentile
- $117,600
- Median
- $133,370
- 75th percentile
- $150,095
- 90th percentile
- $162,615
Salaries range from $116,200 at the 10th percentile to $162,615 at the 90th percentile, showing a $46,415 spread. The 25th percentile is $117,600 and the 75th percentile is $150,095.
Which companies hire the most Staff Software Applications Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff Software Applications 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 Software Applications Engineer positions with 119 filings at a median salary of $123,500. QUALCOMM ATHEROS follows with 45 filings.
Where are Staff Software Applications Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Staff Software Applications 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 Software Applications 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 Software Applications Engineer H-1B filings with 85 positions at a median salary of $120,224. The highest-paying location is Fremont, CA at $162,615 median.
How have Staff Software Applications Engineer salaries changed over time?
Staff Software Applications Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +32% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $117,021 to $154,221 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: $139,478 (36 certified)
- FY 2023: $133,370 (47 certified)
- FY 2024: $148,809 (24 certified)
- FY 2025: $150,095 (21 certified)
- FY 2026: $154,221 (6 certified)