Systems Design Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 321 certified H-1B filings for Systems Design Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $146,800, which is 12% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Systems Design Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $132,230 and $165,000.
Median Salary Trend
Systems Design Engineer salaries have grown -11% from FY 2020 ($142,800) to FY 2026 ($127,234).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Systems Design Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| APPLE | 227 | $150,000 |
| NVIDIA | 19 | $157,539 |
| AMD | 18 | $115,000 |
| KLA | 13 | $158,000 |
| XILINX | 12 | $127,234 |
| MICRON | 4 | $155,000 |
| CORNING INCORPORATED | 4 | $87,526 |
| IT ADVANZ | 3 | $106,000 |
| PHILIPS ULTRASOUND | 2 | $145,413 |
| HUGHES SYSTIQUE PRIVATE | 2 | $121,000 |
Top Locations for Systems Design Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Cupertino, CA (all jobs) | 160 | $155,000 |
| Austin, TX | 37 | $125,000 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 22 | $157,539 |
| San Jose, CA | 14 | $135,000 |
| Milpitas, CA | 12 | $175,000 |
| Jersey City, NJ | 11 | $138,659 |
| San Diego, CA | 11 | $141,015 |
| Garland, TX | 6 | $142,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 5 | $168,025 |
| Dallas, TX | 4 | $147,290 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Systems Design Engineer is $146,800, based on 321 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 12% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown -11% since FY 2020 ($142,800 → $127,234).
Salaries span a $77,000 range from the 10th percentile ($108,000) to the 90th percentile ($185,000). The middle 50% of Systems Design Engineers earn between $132,230 and $165,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
APPLE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 227 certified filings at a median salary of $150,000. Among the top sponsors, KLA pays the highest median at $158,000. The pay spread across top employers is 81%.
Geographically, Cupertino, CA has the highest concentration of Systems Design Engineer H-1B filings (160) at a median of $155,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Milpitas, CA at $175,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Systems Design Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Systems Design Engineer positions is $146,800, based on 321 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 12% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $165,000 to $185,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $108,000 to $132,230. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $108,000
- 25th percentile
- $132,230
- Median
- $146,800
- 75th percentile
- $165,000
- 90th percentile
- $185,000
Salaries range from $108,000 at the 10th percentile to $185,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $77,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $132,230 and the 75th percentile is $165,000.
Which companies hire the most Systems Design Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Systems 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.
APPLE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Systems Design Engineer positions with 227 filings at a median salary of $150,000. NVIDIA follows with 19 filings.
Where are Systems Design Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Systems 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 Systems 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.
Cupertino, CA has the highest concentration of Systems Design Engineer H-1B filings with 160 positions at a median salary of $155,000. The highest-paying location is Milpitas, CA at $175,000 median.
How have Systems Design Engineer salaries changed over time?
Systems Design Engineer H-1B salaries have changed by -11% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $142,800 to $127,234 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: $156,330 (92 certified)
- FY 2023: $173,056 (18 certified)
- FY 2024: $132,662 (37 certified)
- FY 2025: $125,338 (30 certified)
- FY 2026: $127,234 (4 certified)