Principal Software Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 11,120 certified H-1B filings for Principal Software Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $150,000, which is 25% higher than the overall H-1B median of $120,000.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Principal Software Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $126,672 and $182,312.
Median Salary Trend
Principal Software Engineer salaries have grown 21% from FY 2020 ($134,007) to FY 2026 ($161,741).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Principal Software Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP | 1,372 | $116,938 |
| AMAZON | 398 | $212,202 |
| WALMART | 364 | $179,130 |
| DELL USA | 301 | $130,964 |
| FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP, D/B/A FIDELITY INVESTMENTS | 282 | $132,069 |
| EMC | 216 | $165,000 |
| PALO ALTO NETWORKS | 203 | $208,632 |
| CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS | 174 | $151,416 |
| DELL PRODUCTS | 148 | $152,109 |
| ROCKWELL COLLINS | 144 | $126,090 |
Top Locations for Principal Software Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC | 1,041 | $120,786 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 501 | $200,000 |
| Westlake, TX | 463 | $120,328 |
| San Jose, CA | 434 | $191,928 |
| Seattle, WA | 418 | $190,486 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 386 | $184,080 |
| Round Rock, TX | 345 | $130,964 |
| San Francisco, CA | 297 | $196,000 |
| Austin, TX | 264 | $145,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | 211 | $130,478 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Principal Software Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Principal Software Engineer positions is $150,000, based on 11,120 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 25% higher than the overall H-1B median of $120,000. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $182,312 to $220,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $111,738 to $126,672. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
Salaries range from $111,738 at the 10th percentile to $220,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $108,262 spread. The 25th percentile is $126,672 and the 75th percentile is $182,312.
Which companies hire the most Principal Software Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Principal Software 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.
FIDELITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP is the largest H-1B sponsor for Principal Software Engineer positions with 1,372 filings at a median salary of $116,938. AMAZON follows with 398 filings.
Where are Principal Software Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Principal Software 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 Principal Software 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.
Durham, NC has the highest concentration of Principal Software Engineer H-1B filings with 1,041 positions at a median salary of $120,786. The highest-paying location is Santa Clara, CA at $200,000 median.
How have Principal Software Engineer salaries changed over time?
Principal Software Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +21% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $134,007 to $161,741 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: $143,718 (2,013 certified)
- FY 2023: $155,000 (1,716 certified)
- FY 2024: $153,400 (1,830 certified)
- FY 2025: $162,250 (2,047 certified)
- FY 2026: $161,741 (419 certified)