Software engineering remains one of the most common occupations sponsored under the H-1B visa programme. This article presents realistic U.S. salary ranges based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and Department of Labor disclosure data — not marketing hype.
National Salary Picture (BLS Data)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023), the salary distribution for software developers in the United States was approximately:
| Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | ~ $77,020 |
| 25th percentile | ~ $99,830 |
| Median (50th) | ~ $132,930 |
| 75th percentile | ~ $172,990 |
| 90th percentile (senior/specialist) | ~ $208,620+ |
Always check the latest figures on the BLS Software Developers occupation page, as wages are updated annually.
Salaries Vary Significantly by Metropolitan Area
BLS data shows substantial variation by region. Approximate median annual wages in major tech hubs include:
- San Jose – Sunnyvale – Santa Clara, CA: ~$190,000+
- San Francisco – Oakland – Hayward, CA: ~$170,000+
- Seattle – Tacoma – Bellevue, WA: ~$160,000+
- New York – Newark – Jersey City: ~$140,000+
- Austin – Round Rock, TX: ~$130,000+
- Smaller metros and Midwest cities: often $100,000 – $130,000
These are pre-tax figures. U.S. cost of living, especially housing in coastal tech hubs, significantly affects take-home value.
What Employers Actually Pay H-1B Workers
The U.S. Department of Labor publishes Labor Condition Application (LCA) data showing the wages employers pledge to pay H-1B workers. By law, the employer must pay at least the higher of the prevailing wage for the role and location, or the actual wage paid to similarly employed U.S. workers.
You can search this data publicly on the DOL OFLC Performance Data page or third-party trackers built on this data.
Salary Ranges by Experience Level (Typical Tech Industry)
- Entry-level (0-2 years): $80,000 – $130,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $120,000 – $180,000
- Senior (6-9 years): $170,000 – $240,000+
- Staff/Principal (10+ years): $220,000 – $350,000+
Total compensation at large public tech companies often includes a base salary, a sign-on bonus, an annual performance bonus, and stock grants (RSUs). Stock can substantially increase total comp at companies like the major FAANG-tier employers, but it depends on stock performance and vesting schedules.
Realistic H-1B Process Considerations
- The H-1B has an annual cap and a randomised lottery — selection is not guaranteed regardless of salary or qualifications.
- Premium processing speeds up adjudication for an additional fee but does not improve approval odds.
- Companies known to file many H-1Bs are listed in the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub.
What You Cannot Be Charged
Under H-1B regulations, the employer is responsible for the I-129 filing fee, the ACWIA training fee, and the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee. You should not be asked to reimburse these fees. Premium processing fees can sometimes be paid by the worker if requested for the worker’s benefit, but this should be documented in writing.
Red Flags to Avoid
- “Job offers” demanding upfront payment for visa sponsorship
- Salaries far above market without a clear company name or location
- Pressure to sign quickly without time to review the contract
- Communication only via personal email or messaging apps
- Wage offers below the DOL prevailing wage for that occupation and metro
Official Resources
Disclaimer: Salary figures cited above are approximate ranges based on publicly available official data and market reports as of 2024-2025. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, location, qualifications, and contract type. Always verify current rates with the employer and official government sources before making any decision. No salary or job is guaranteed. Beware of recruiters offering “guaranteed” jobs or visas in exchange for fees.