Systems Engineer/Architect H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 139,347 certified H-1B filings for Systems Engineer/Architect positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $97,177, which is 19% lower than the overall H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Systems Engineer/Architect H-1B salaries fall between $78,354 and $123,540.
Median Salary Trend
Systems Engineer/Architect salaries have grown 31% from FY 2020 ($85,384) to FY 2026 ($111,550).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Systems Engineer/Architect
Top Locations for Systems Engineer/Architect
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Plano, TX | 4,995 | $93,517 |
| Irving, TX | 4,582 | $93,538 |
| Austin, TX | 3,777 | $93,200 |
| New York, NY | 3,373 | $100,600 |
| Charlotte, NC | 3,280 | $100,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | 3,081 | $92,872 |
| Redmond, WA | 2,801 | $110,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 2,398 | $140,442 |
| Chicago, IL | 2,189 | $93,912 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 2,111 | $82,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Systems Engineer/Architect H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Systems Engineer/Architect positions is $97,177, based on 139,347 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 19% lower than the overall H-1B median of $120,000. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $123,540 to $150,085, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $70,075 to $78,354. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
Salaries range from $70,075 at the 10th percentile to $150,085 at the 90th percentile, showing a $80,010 spread. The 25th percentile is $78,354 and the 75th percentile is $123,540.
Which companies hire the most Systems Engineer/Architects on H-1B?
The H-1B landscape for Systems Engineer/Architect 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.
COGNIZANT is the largest H-1B sponsor for Systems Engineer/Architect positions with 23,808 filings at a median salary of $101,941. TATA follows with 21,439 filings.
Where are Systems Engineer/Architect H-1B jobs located?
Systems Engineer/Architect 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/Architects 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.
Plano, TX has the highest concentration of Systems Engineer/Architect H-1B filings with 4,995 positions at a median salary of $93,517. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $100,600 median.
How have Systems Engineer/Architect salaries changed over time?
Systems Engineer/Architect H-1B salaries have grown by +31% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $85,384 to $111,550 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: $99,008 (21,355 certified)
- FY 2023: $99,466 (23,403 certified)
- FY 2024: $100,000 (34,229 certified)
- FY 2025: $102,275 (24,962 certified)
- FY 2026: $111,550 (2,865 certified)