NVIDIA H-1B Visa Sponsorship & Salary Data
NVIDIA has filed 6,636 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, with 6,569 certified. The median H-1B salary at NVIDIA is $171,018, which is 43% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Analysis
Salary Range
- 10th percentile: $125,896
- 25th percentile: $147,992
- Median: $171,018
- 75th percentile: $197,933
- 90th percentile: $224,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 129 (3%)
- Level II (Qualified): 848 (17%)
- Level III (Experienced): 1,001 (20%)
- Level IV (Expert): 3,087 (61%)
Trend (2020-2026)
- Starting median: $153,000
- Current median: $196,000
- Growth: +28%
Salary & Hiring Visualizations
Salary Distribution
Distribution of H-1B salaries at NVIDIA
NVIDIA's H-1B salaries range from $125,896 to $224,000 (10th-90th percentile), with a median of $171,018. This is 43% above the national H-1B median.
Wage Level Distribution
DOL wage levels affect H-1B lottery priority
NVIDIA files 97% of H-1B positions at Level II or higher. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery, giving NVIDIA candidates a competitive advantage.
Median Salary Trend
Year-over-year salary changes
NVIDIA's median H-1B salary increased by +28% from FY 2020 ($153,000) to FY 2026 ($196,000). This strong growth reflects competitive compensation adjustments.
H-1B Filings by Year
Annual hiring activity through H-1B program
NVIDIA's H-1B filings changed by -17% from FY 2020 to FY 2026.
Salary by Job Title
Top roles by filing volume, showing salary distribution
The highest-volume H-1B role at NVIDIA is Software Engineer with 1,427 filings at $173,229 median salary.
Salary by Location
Salary distribution across office locations (sorted by median)
NVIDIA's largest H-1B hub is Santa Clara, CA with 4,143 filings. The highest-paying location is Redmond, WA at $180,710 median.
Highest Paying H-1B Roles at NVIDIA
Ranked by median salary — Unlike "Salary by Job Title" above which shows the most common roles by filing volume, this section ranks all H-1B positions by their median compensation to highlight the best-paying opportunities.
These are the top 10 highest-paying H-1B job titles at NVIDIA, ranked by median salary. The highest-paying role is Program Manager at $183,534 median, which is 7% above the company's overall H-1B median of $171,018.
High-paying H-1B roles typically require advanced technical expertise, specialized domain knowledge, or significant leadership responsibility. Factors influencing top-tier compensation include years of experience, educational credentials (PhD, Master's degrees), rare skill combinations, and market demand for specific technologies. The salary distribution chart below each role shows how compensation varies—wider distributions indicate more salary negotiation flexibility, while narrow peaks suggest standardized pay bands. Senior and principal-level positions consistently command premium salaries due to their strategic impact and scarcity of qualified candidates.
Program Manager
183 H-1B filings at NVIDIA
Engineer Senior Systems Software
222 H-1B filings at NVIDIA
Research Scientist
237 H-1B filings at NVIDIA
Software Engineer
1,427 H-1B filings at NVIDIA
Hardware Engineer
728 H-1B filings at NVIDIA
Architect
545 H-1B filings at NVIDIA
Salary data based on 6,569 certified H-1B labor condition applications at NVIDIA. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific role requirements, and location within the company.
Highest Individual H-1B Salaries at NVIDIA
Actual filed salaries — These are the 10 highest individual H-1B salary filings at NVIDIA, representing specific positions (not aggregated medians). These may include executive, highly specialized, or senior leadership roles.
The highest H-1B salary filed at NVIDIA was $368,000 for a Director, Systems Software position in Santa Clara, CA (FY2025). This is 115% higher than the company's median H-1B salary.
Top H-1B salaries often cluster in high cost-of-living metros like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle where prevailing wages are higher. However, executive and specialized roles can command premium compensation regardless of location. These filings represent the upper bound of H-1B compensation at NVIDIA—actual total compensation may be significantly higher when including stock grants, bonuses, and benefits. Geographic patterns in top salaries often reflect where companies locate their most senior technical talent and leadership positions.
Marker size indicates salary level. Click markers for details.
| Rank | Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Director, Systems Software | Santa Clara, CA | $368,000 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 2 | Director Systems Software | Santa Clara, CA | $360,000 | IV | FY 2022 |
| 3 | Distinguished Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $360,000 | N/A | FY 2024 |
| 4 | Senior Hardware Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $340,000 | IV | FY 2025 |
| 5 | Principal Applications Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $324,500 | IV | FY 2021 |
| 6 | Senior Product Manager | Santa Clara, CA | $321,200 | IV | FY 2024 |
| 7 | Distinguished Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $320,000 | IV | FY 2022 |
| 8 | Director, System Software | Santa Clara, CA | $320,000 | IV | FY 2022 |
| 9 | Director Systems Software | Santa Clara, CA | $320,000 | IV | FY 2023 |
| 10 | Director Systems Software | Santa Clara, CA | $320,000 | IV | FY 2023 |
These represent the highest individual salary amounts filed in H-1B labor condition applications. Note: H-1B salary data reflects base compensation only and does not include stock options, RSUs, bonuses, or other benefits which can significantly increase total compensation at tech companies.
Detailed Breakdown
H-1B Job Titles at NVIDIA
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 1,427 | $173,229 |
| Hardware Engineer | 728 | $166,026 |
| Architect | 545 | $158,358 |
| Research Scientist | 237 | $173,971 |
| Engineer Senior Systems Software | 222 | $180,000 |
| Program Manager | 183 | $183,534 |
H-1B Locations for NVIDIA
| Location | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | 4,143 | $175,000 |
| Austin, TX | 453 | $156,000 |
| Redmond, WA | 240 | $180,710 |
| Seattle, WA | 139 | $180,710 |
| Hillsboro, OR | 120 | $158,309 |
| Westford, MA | 114 | $143,707 |
| Durham, NC | 105 | $138,902 |
| New York, NY | 82 | $176,000 |
| San Diego, CA | 47 | $180,000 |
| Folsom, CA | 36 | $177,341 |
Recent H-1B Filings at NVIDIA
Sample of 20 recent certified H-1B labor condition applications. This represents a small fraction of NVIDIA's 6,569 total certified filings.
| Job Title | Location | Salary | Level | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Engineer | Building 2, Suite 100, TX | $196,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $187,574 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Senior Architect | Santa Clara, CA | $157,857 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Hardware Engineer | Austin, TX | $110,656 | II | FY 2026 |
| QA Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $210,642 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Senior Architect | Santa Clara, CA | $216,091 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Asic Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $216,091 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $149,365 | I | FY 2026 |
| Applications Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $191,715 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Research Scientist | Santa Clara, CA | $226,933 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Hardware Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $216,091 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Hardware Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $216,091 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Redmond, WA | $224,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Senior Architect | Austin, TX | $184,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Principal Software Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $264,514 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Asic Engineer | Santa Clara, CA | $196,679 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Engineer System Design | Hillsboro, OR | $192,000 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Engineer Senior Asic | Santa Clara, CA | $197,558 | N/A | FY 2026 |
| Software Engineer | Redmond, WA | $212,202 | IV | FY 2026 |
| Engineer Senior Systems Software | Santa Clara, CA | $173,329 | N/A | FY 2026 |
Data source: U.S. Department of Labor LCA Disclosure Files. Showing most recent certified filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about NVIDIA H-1B Visas
What is the average H-1B salary at NVIDIA?
The median H-1B salary at NVIDIA is $171,018, based on 6,569 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 43% higher than the national H-1B median salary of $120,000. Compensation at NVIDIA reflects their market positioning, with entry-level roles starting around $147,992 and senior positions reaching $224,000 or higher. These figures represent base salaries in LCA filings and may not include bonuses, equity grants, or other compensation common at large employers.
Salaries at NVIDIA range from $125,896 at the 10th percentile to $224,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $98,104 spread across experience levels and roles. The 25th percentile is $147,992 and the 75th percentile is $197,933.
Does NVIDIA sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, NVIDIA actively sponsors H-1B visas and has been a consistent participant in the H-1B program. They have filed 6,636 H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026, demonstrating ongoing commitment to hiring international talent. With 6,569 certified applications and a 0.2% denial rate, NVIDIA maintains a strong track record for H-1B sponsorship. The company sponsors positions across multiple job categories and locations, making them a viable option for professionals seeking H-1B visa sponsorship.
In the most recent fiscal year (FY 2026), NVIDIA filed 443 H-1B applications, with 434 certified and 1 denied. Over 7 years of data, NVIDIA has consistently demonstrated commitment to H-1B sponsorship.
Note: These are Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the Department of Labor, which is a prerequisite for H-1B petitions. The actual number of H-1B petitions filed with USCIS may differ.
What is NVIDIA's H-1B approval rate?
NVIDIA's LCA (Labor Condition Application) denial rate is 0.2%, with 14 out of 6,636 applications denied across all years. This translates to a 99.8% certification rate, which indicates how successfully the company prepares and files H-1B applications. A lower denial rate suggests better compliance with Department of Labor requirements, proper wage documentation, and accurate job classification. Prospective H-1B applicants should consider this approval rate alongside other factors like salary, job role, and location when evaluating NVIDIA as a potential H-1B sponsor.
This is an excellent approval rate, indicating NVIDIA has strong H-1B sponsorship practices and typically meets DOL requirements. Applicants can feel confident in the company's H-1B track record.
What jobs does NVIDIA sponsor for H-1B?
NVIDIA sponsors H-1B visas for various specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Based on 6,569 certified filings, the most commonly sponsored job titles reflect the company's primary business functions and talent needs. These positions typically require specialized knowledge in fields like technology, engineering, finance, or scientific research. Understanding which roles NVIDIA most frequently sponsors can help job seekers target their applications effectively.
Most common H-1B job titles at NVIDIA:
The most frequently sponsored role is Software Engineer with 1,427 filings at a median salary of $173,229. This is followed by Hardware Engineer (728 filings) and Architect.
Where are NVIDIA's H-1B jobs located?
NVIDIA's H-1B positions are distributed across multiple U.S. locations, with concentration in major metropolitan areas and tech hubs. Geographic distribution often reflects company office locations, client sites, and regional market demands. Location significantly impacts H-1B salary due to varying cost of living and local wage requirements. Understanding where NVIDIA sponsors H-1B workers can help candidates target specific offices and negotiate appropriate compensation for each market.
Top NVIDIA H-1B locations:
Circle size indicates relative H-1B filing volume
The largest H-1B hub for NVIDIA is Santa Clara, CA with 4,143 filings at a median salary of $175,000. The highest-paying location is Redmond, WA at $180,710 median. Salaries range from $138,902 to $180,710 across office locations.
How have NVIDIA's H-1B salaries changed over time?
NVIDIA's median H-1B salary has increased by +28% from FY 2020 ($153,000) to FY 2026 ($196,000). Tracking salary trends over time reveals how NVIDIA adjusts compensation to remain competitive in the H-1B labor market. Salary growth typically reflects inflation adjustments, increased demand for specialized skills, and evolving prevailing wage requirements. These historical trends can help applicants understand future salary expectations and negotiate appropriately when considering H-1B opportunities at NVIDIA.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $157,477 (840 certified)
- FY 2023: $166,622 (981 certified)
- FY 2024: $178,006 (1,331 certified)
- FY 2025: $185,155 (1,853 certified)
- FY 2026: $196,000 (434 certified)
This 28% growth reflects strong compensation adjustments at NVIDIA, keeping pace with market demands for H-1B talent.
What wage level does NVIDIA use for H-1B?
NVIDIA primarily files H-1B applications at Wage Level IV, accounting for 61% of their filings. DOL wage levels range from Level I (entry-level, 17th percentile of local wages) to Level IV (expert, 67th percentile). Wage level determines both salary requirements and, under recent H-1B rules, lottery selection priority. Higher wage levels receive preference in the H-1B lottery, making NVIDIA's wage level distribution an important factor for prospective applicants assessing their chances of H-1B selection.
With 97% of positions at Level II or higher, NVIDIA typically offers competitive wages above entry-level. Higher wage levels receive priority in the H-1B lottery.
How does NVIDIA's H-1B salary compare to other employers?
NVIDIA's median H-1B salary of $171,018 is 43% higher than the national H-1B median of $120,000 across all employers and industries. This comparison provides context for evaluating NVIDIA's competitiveness in attracting H-1B talent. Keep in mind that industry, location, and job function significantly impact salary levels. Tech companies and financial institutions typically offer higher H-1B salaries than other sectors, while salaries in major metros like San Francisco and New York exceed those in smaller markets. Compare NVIDIA's offerings with similar companies in your field for a more accurate assessment.
This places NVIDIA among the higher-paying H-1B sponsors in the industry. Candidates considering H-1B sponsorship should weigh this competitive compensation alongside other factors like role growth, location, and visa processing track record.
How do new H-1B fees and rules affect NVIDIA's sponsorship?
Recent H-1B rule changes have increased filing fees and introduced wage-level prioritization in the lottery. NVIDIA's higher proportion of Level III-IV positions (81%) may benefit from wage-based lottery prioritization.
With 6,569 certified filings, NVIDIA invests significantly in H-1B sponsorship. The company's 0.2% denial rate suggests strong compliance with H-1B requirements and documentation standards.
Note: H-1B regulations are subject to change. Fees shown are estimates based on 2024 USCIS fee schedules. Actual costs may vary based on company size, premium processing, and future rule changes.
Companies Similar to NVIDIA
Employers with similar H-1B salary ranges and filing volumes.