Staff Software Developer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 197 certified H-1B filings for Staff Software Developer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $140,540, which is 8% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Staff Software Developer H-1B salaries fall between $120,224 and $156,550.
Median Salary Trend
Staff Software Developer salaries have grown 19% from FY 2020 ($117,042) to FY 2026 ($139,506).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Staff Software Developer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| QUALCOMM INCORPORATED | 41 | $133,370 |
| IBM | 19 | $101,587 |
| ZT GROUP INT'L | 14 | $150,285 |
| OVERSTOCK.COM | 13 | $147,420 |
| OSISOFT | 13 | $136,552 |
| FORTINET | 6 | $152,831 |
| CHARLES SCHWAB AND | 4 | $127,150 |
| ASRC FEDERAL DATA NETWORX | 4 | $78,146 |
| MOBIVEIL | 4 | $144,000 |
| FISERV SOLUTIONS | 4 | $110,344 |
Top Locations for Staff Software Developer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | 41 | $133,370 |
| Midvale, UT | 17 | $151,000 |
| Secaucus, NJ | 14 | $143,936 |
| Austin, TX | 13 | $120,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 9 | $152,831 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 9 | $132,330 |
| San Jose, CA | 9 | $141,378 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 7 | $170,199 |
| Irving, TX | 5 | $140,540 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 5 | $180,720 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Staff Software Developer is $140,540, based on 197 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 8% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 19% since FY 2020 ($117,042 → $139,506).
Salaries span a $74,606 range from the 10th percentile ($100,394) to the 90th percentile ($175,000). The middle 50% of Staff Software Developers earn between $120,224 and $156,550, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
QUALCOMM INCORPORATED is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 41 certified filings at a median salary of $133,370. Among the top sponsors, FORTINET pays the highest median at $152,831. The pay spread across top employers is 96%.
Geographically, San Diego, CA has the highest concentration of Staff Software Developer H-1B filings (41) at a median of $133,370. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Palo Alto, CA at $180,720.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Staff Software Developer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Staff Software Developer positions is $140,540, based on 197 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 8% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $156,550 to $175,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $100,394 to $120,224. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $100,394
- 25th percentile
- $120,224
- Median
- $140,540
- 75th percentile
- $156,550
- 90th percentile
- $175,000
Salaries range from $100,394 at the 10th percentile to $175,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $74,606 spread. The 25th percentile is $120,224 and the 75th percentile is $156,550.
Which companies hire the most Staff Software Developers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Staff Software Developer 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 INCORPORATED is the largest H-1B sponsor for Staff Software Developer positions with 41 filings at a median salary of $133,370. IBM follows with 19 filings.
Where are Staff Software Developer H-1B jobs located?
Staff Software Developer 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 Developers 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 Developer H-1B filings with 41 positions at a median salary of $133,370. The highest-paying location is Sunnyvale, CA at $152,831 median.
How have Staff Software Developer salaries changed over time?
Staff Software Developer H-1B salaries have grown by +19% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $117,042 to $139,506 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: $132,330 (46 certified)
- FY 2023: $141,378 (35 certified)
- FY 2024: $158,620 (30 certified)
- FY 2025: $152,402 (23 certified)
- FY 2026: $139,506 (7 certified)