Systems Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 727 certified H-1B filings for Systems Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $80,000, which is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Systems Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $60,424 and $92,102.
Median Salary Trend
Systems Engineer I salaries have grown 39% from FY 2020 ($68,515) to FY 2026 ($95,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Systems Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| VIRTUSA | 344 | $75,000 |
| ETOUCH SYSTEMS | 77 | $90,750 |
| VIRTUSA CONSULTING SERVICES PVT | 54 | $60,000 |
| FISERV SOLUTIONS | 16 | $116,979 |
| AMAZON | 14 | $92,102 |
| WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A | 10 | $124,987 |
| ASML US | 8 | $119,425 |
| JOHNSON CONTROLS | 7 | $79,706 |
| EMC | 7 | $81,868 |
| OPEN SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL | 7 | $80,000 |
Top Locations for Systems Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA (all jobs) | 53 | $79,972 |
| Tampa, FL | 46 | $75,000 |
| Irving, TX | 27 | $78,000 |
| Dallas, TX | 24 | $77,200 |
| New York, NY | 24 | $80,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 22 | $91,354 |
| Mountain View, CA | 21 | $95,000 |
| Columbus, OH | 19 | $73,195 |
| Alpharetta, GA | 17 | $100,000 |
| Omaha, NE | 16 | $79,706 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Systems Engineer I is $80,000, based on 727 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 39% since FY 2020 ($68,515 → $95,000).
Salaries span a $48,000 range from the 10th percentile ($60,000) to the 90th percentile ($108,000). The middle 50% of Systems Engineer Is earn between $60,424 and $92,102, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
VIRTUSA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 344 certified filings at a median salary of $75,000. Among the top sponsors, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A pays the highest median at $124,987. The pay spread across top employers is 108%.
Geographically, Pittsburgh, PA has the highest concentration of Systems Engineer I H-1B filings (53) at a median of $79,972. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Alpharetta, GA at $100,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Systems Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Systems Engineer I positions is $80,000, based on 727 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 37% lower than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $92,102 to $108,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $60,000 to $60,424. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $60,000
- 25th percentile
- $60,424
- Median
- $80,000
- 75th percentile
- $92,102
- 90th percentile
- $108,000
Salaries range from $60,000 at the 10th percentile to $108,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $48,000 spread. The 25th percentile is $60,424 and the 75th percentile is $92,102.
Which companies hire the most Systems Engineer Is on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Systems Engineer I roles includes both technology companies hiring directly and IT consulting firms that place workers at client sites. Direct-hire positions at tech companies often offer higher base salaries and equity packages, while consulting roles provide diverse project experience across industries.
VIRTUSA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Systems Engineer I positions with 344 filings at a median salary of $75,000. ETOUCH SYSTEMS follows with 77 filings.
Where are Systems Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
Systems Engineer I 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 Engineer Is 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.
Pittsburgh, PA has the highest concentration of Systems Engineer I H-1B filings with 53 positions at a median salary of $79,972. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $80,000 median.
How have Systems Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Systems Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +39% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $68,515 to $95,000 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: $77,360 (115 certified)
- FY 2023: $80,000 (99 certified)
- FY 2024: $80,620 (111 certified)
- FY 2025: $91,000 (65 certified)
- FY 2026: $95,000 (64 certified)