System Design Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 146 certified H-1B filings for System Design Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $116,900, which is 11% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most System Design Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $81,827 and $157,779.
Median Salary Trend
System Design Engineer salaries have grown 139% from FY 2020 ($78,750) to FY 2026 ($188,293).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for System Design Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA | 52 | $157,779 |
| ESG AUTOMOTIVE | 34 | $77,500 |
| APPLE | 9 | $175,000 |
| L&T TECHNOLOGY SERVICES | 6 | $76,000 |
| KLA | 5 | $176,538 |
| ECOSCIENCE | 3 | $85,000 |
| CW PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | 3 | $111,072 |
| MARVELL SEMICONDUCTOR | 3 | $109,000 |
| ESG AUTOMOTIVE | 3 | $85,000 |
| HOLTEC INTERNATIONAL | 3 | $80,900 |
Top Locations for System Design Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | 44 | $157,779 |
| Auburn Hills, MI | 13 | $80,995 |
| Troy, MI | 12 | $85,000 |
| Cupertino, CA | 8 | $180,000 |
| Dearborn, MI | 6 | $76,211 |
| Austin, TX | 6 | $117,000 |
| Farmington Hills, MI | 6 | $95,000 |
| Milpitas, CA | 5 | $176,538 |
| Houston, TX | 4 | $76,000 |
| Durham, NC | 3 | $156,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for System Design Engineer is $116,900, based on 146 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 11% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 139% since FY 2020 ($78,750 → $188,293).
Salaries span a $112,953 range from the 10th percentile ($74,984) to the 90th percentile ($187,937). The middle 50% of System Design Engineers earn between $81,827 and $157,779, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
NVIDIA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 52 certified filings at a median salary of $157,779. Among the top sponsors, KLA pays the highest median at $176,538. The pay spread across top employers is 132%.
Geographically, Santa Clara, CA has the highest concentration of System Design Engineer H-1B filings (44) at a median of $157,779. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Cupertino, CA at $180,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average System Design Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for System Design Engineer positions is $116,900, based on 146 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 11% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $157,779 to $187,937, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $74,984 to $81,827. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $74,984
- 25th percentile
- $81,827
- Median
- $116,900
- 75th percentile
- $157,779
- 90th percentile
- $187,937
Salaries range from $74,984 at the 10th percentile to $187,937 at the 90th percentile, showing a $112,953 spread. The 25th percentile is $81,827 and the 75th percentile is $157,779.
Which companies hire the most System Design Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for System Design 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.
NVIDIA is the largest H-1B sponsor for System Design Engineer positions with 52 filings at a median salary of $157,779. ESG AUTOMOTIVE follows with 34 filings.
Where are System Design Engineer H-1B jobs located?
System Design 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 System Design 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.
Santa Clara, CA has the highest concentration of System Design Engineer H-1B filings with 44 positions at a median salary of $157,779. The highest-paying location is Cupertino, CA at $180,000 median.
How have System Design Engineer salaries changed over time?
System Design Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +139% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $78,750 to $188,293 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: $133,257 (22 certified)
- FY 2023: $151,902 (13 certified)
- FY 2024: $153,504 (14 certified)
- FY 2025: $155,685 (23 certified)
- FY 2026: $188,293 (10 certified)