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Software Engineer -88% 5-Year Decline

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Job Market Trend:-27.9%vs Q1 2025
Top Sponsor: Google LLC (428 filings)
Highest Pay: Los Gatos, CA ($264,514)
Official Federal Category: 15-1252.00 - Software Developers
Market Demand i
A+
FY 2026
2023 A+
2024 A+
2025 A+
Certified Volume i
3,699
Approved in FY 2026
National Median Salary i
$135,615
Typical yearly pay
PERM Conversion i
16.60%
Transition to residency
10-Year Growth i
49.30%
Decade salary trend

Algorithmic Intelligence Brief

An automated market review of the Software Engineer role.

Very High Volume: "A+"

The corporate demand for Software Engineer professionals is currently very high. U.S. employers successfully filed 3,699 labor requests this cycle, officially securing the "A+" H1B Index Grade.

Diverse Project Roles

Candidates find opportunities in both direct and staffing roles. About 27.5% of these approved visas are for outside client work.

Seniority Pay Bump

Getting more experience in this role brings a clear pay raise. Moving from an entry-level Software Engineer to a senior position leads to an average salary increase of roughly +131%.

Acceptable Visa Odds

The approval chances for this job are standard. Exactly 91.8% of recent labor requests successfully passed the government background checks.

Out-of-State Flexibility

This career pathway is provably remote-friendly. Geographic data confirms that 52.3% of these professionals actively work hundreds of miles away from their company's main headquarters.

Role & Industry Structure

Federal classifications for this position.

Contract Scope: Getting this job mostly means working full-time, which accounts for 98.3% of the labor requests.

Hiring Sectors: Employers in the Professional, Scientific, and Tech Services sector process 65.8% of the forms, and the Information & Tech industry files 18.3%.

Wage Insights: Workers in this role earn a median pay of $135,615, with the absolute highest recorded salary hitting $500,000.

Degree Required: Employers like Google LLC accept a Bachelor's degree for all permanent roles in this job.

10-Year Median Salary Trajectory

Comparing national base compensation growth for Software Engineers. temporary H-1B medians vs permanent Green Card (PERM).
Positive Market Growth: +49.3%. Compensation for this position has reliably increased over the long term.
Minor Pay Adjustment: +$5,138. The base pay for this job goes up by a small 3.8% after Green Card approval.

Top Paying Tech Hubs

Cities ranked by highest median salaries.

Salary Percentiles i

Distribution across all federal filings.

Talent Sourcing Origin

Where employers source these workers from.

O*NET Wage Level Economics

Salary breakdown scaled by federal experience classifications.

O*NET Wage Distribution

Wage Levels Breakdown

Experience LevelTotal FilingsCohort SizeMinimum BaseMedian Salary
Entry Level (Level I)48513.1%$60,000$97,989
Qualified (Level II)1,80248.7%$62,005$117,260
Experienced (Level III)54214.7%$70,000$180,710
Fully Competent (Level IV)43411.7%$80,000$226,000
Not Disclosed (Blank)43611.8%$85,255$169,145

Acquisition & Industry Allocation

Talent pipeline metrics and top hiring sectors for Software Engineers.

Talent Pipeline

Fresh Hires (38.2%)Transfers/Poached (61.8%)

Green Card (PERM) Conversion i

16.60% of active filings transition to residency.

Industry Sector Allocation

Primary Sector & Median Pay Total Filings
Professional, Scientific, And Tech Services 65.8% Sector Share
Top Sponsor: Google LLC | Median: $120,973
2,434
Information & Tech 18.3% Sector Share
Top Sponsor: Meta Platforms, Inc. | Median: $215,731
678
Manufacturing 6.6% Sector Share
Top Sponsor: Nvidia Corporation | Median: $153,747
243
Finance & Insurance 5.6% Sector Share
Top Sponsor: U.S. Bank National Association | Median: $142,592
208
Unspecified / Blank 1.6% Sector Share
Top Sponsor: Concentrix Cvg Customer Management Group Inc. | Median: $116,993
59

Noticing a difference in dates? Salary metrics reflect real-time DOL filings, while approval metrics rely on finalized USCIS historical data. View timelines

Sponsoring EmployerMarket Share iLCA CountMedian SalaryVs National Avg i
Google LLC11.6%428$193,000+42.3% Avg
Meta Platforms, Inc.11.1%410$224,197+65.3% Avg
Mphasis Corporation5.7%210$125,000-7.8% Avg
Nvidia Corporation2.1%77$187,574+38.3% Avg
Intel Corporation1.4%50$150,998+11.3% Avg
Msr Technology Group LLC1.1%41$127,462-6.0% Avg
Skilltune Technologies Inc.0.9%34$91,242-32.7% Avg
Doordash, Inc.0.9%33$170,600+25.8% Avg
U.S. Bank National Association0.9%32$112,923-16.7% Avg
Netflix, Inc.0.7%25$264,514+95.0% Avg
Cisco Systems, Inc.0.7%25$139,687+3.0% Avg
Intraedge, Inc.0.7%25$111,072-18.1% Avg
Natsoft Corporation0.6%24$131,799-2.8% Avg
Linkedin Corporation0.6%23$149,240+10.0% Avg
Snowflake Inc.0.6%23$161,637+19.2% Avg
Uber Technologies, Inc.0.6%23$183,500+35.3% Avg
Costco Wholesale Corporation0.6%21$150,800+11.2% Avg
Indeed, Inc.0.5%20$110,635-18.4% Avg
Stripe, Inc.0.5%19$180,710+33.3% Avg
Quadrant Technologies LLC0.5%17$149,240+10.0% Avg
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.0.5%17$130,000-4.1% Avg
Lowe'S Companies, Inc.0.4%15$112,424-17.1% Avg
Waymo LLC0.4%14$202,000+49.0% Avg
Ford Motor Company0.4%14$135,000Market Rate
Northstar Group, Inc.0.4%14$112,923-16.7% Avg
Satin Solutions LLC0.4%13$98,400-27.4% Avg
Brains Technology Solutions, Inc.0.3%12$112,944-16.7% Avg
Cgi Technologies And Solutions Inc.0.3%11$112,923-16.7% Avg
Adaequare Inc.0.3%11$130,000-4.1% Avg
Mitchell/Martin, Inc.0.3%11$141,440+4.3% Avg
Elite It Technologies LLC0.3%11$113,000-16.7% Avg
Response Informatics, Inc.0.3%10$89,773-33.8% Avg
Docusign Inc.0.3%10$161,637+19.2% Avg
Gp Technologies LLC0.3%10$96,255-29.0% Avg
Intuit Inc.0.3%10$144,342+6.4% Avg
Kla Corporation0.3%10$154,539+14.0% Avg
Miracle Software Systems, Inc.0.2%9$120,000-11.5% Avg
Databricks, Inc.0.2%9$152,712+12.6% Avg
Resolve Ai, Inc.0.2%9$200,000+47.5% Avg
Hitachi Digital Services LLC0.2%9$112,923-16.7% Avg
Hcl Global Systems Inc.0.2%9$110,594-18.5% Avg
Innovative Consulting Solutions LLC0.2%8$112,923-16.7% Avg
I-Link Solutions, Inc.0.2%8$110,240-18.7% Avg
Tech Mahindra (Americas), Inc.0.2%8$131,344-3.1% Avg
Atlassian Us, Inc.0.2%8$187,500+38.3% Avg
Sigma Software LLC0.2%8$107,630-20.6% Avg
Softworld Technologies LLC0.2%8$103,500-23.7% Avg
Optum Services, Inc.0.2%8$124,258-8.4% Avg
Carnegie Software Corporation0.2%8$86,653-36.1% Avg
Tiktok Inc.0.2%7$194,400+43.3% Avg
Applab Systems Inc.0.2%7$108,222-20.2% Avg
Citadel Enterprise Americas Services LLC0.2%7$200,000+47.5% Avg
Clarkstech LLC0.2%7$103,210-23.9% Avg
Qualtrics, LLC0.2%7$162,000+19.5% Avg
Coinbase, Inc.0.2%7$179,300+32.2% Avg
Worksite CityStateTalent Density iMedian SalaryTop Premium Payer i
Menlo ParkCA5.8%$227,339$227,920
SunnyvaleCA5.7%$193,000$227,920
Mountain ViewCA5.1%$194,630$264,514
New YorkNY4.8%$189,592$350,000
San FranciscoCA4.2%$188,000$325,000
SeattleWA3.5%$176,361$354,000
BellevueWA2.8%$209,819$251,000
CharlotteNC2.6%$112,424$145,000
AustinTX2.3%$115,000$240,000
Santa ClaraCA2.1%$183,956$264,514
PlanoTX2.1%$112,923$147,680
IrvingTX2.0%$112,923$135,000
PhoenixAZ1.6%$111,072$137,000
ChicagoIL1.6%$108,077$200,000
San JoseCA1.4%$180,000$283,000
AtlantaGA1.4%$109,283$166,000
HoustonTX1.1%$105,976$190,000
DallasTX1.1%$112,923$240,000
RedmondWA0.9%$149,240$218,610
KirklandWA0.9%$174,000$179,300
PrincetonNJ0.8%$88,213$200,000
FriscoTX0.7%$113,000$146,000
Jersey CityNJ0.7%$131,997$230,000
HillsboroOR0.7%$152,880$175,000
BurlingameCA0.7%$232,000Market Rate
Los GatosCA0.6%$264,514Market Rate
IssaquahWA0.6%$150,020$185,000
DearbornMI0.6%$123,000$156,000
ColumbusOH0.5%$106,815$170,000
AubreyTX0.5%$112,923$137,600
San BrunoCA0.5%$193,000Market Rate
AlpharettaGA0.5%$109,283$145,000
Palo AltoCA0.5%$160,000$300,000
ChandlerAZ0.5%$111,072$184,000
FremontCA0.5%$150,000$258,524
RestonVA0.5%$120,016$220,500
San AntonioTX0.4%$106,579$145,000
Los AngelesCA0.4%$129,667$218,692
San MateoCA0.4%$185,000$235,000
CambridgeMA0.4%$169,600$236,904
WilmingtonDE0.4%$122,634$132,184
WestlakeTX0.4%$121,500$134,971
San DiegoCA0.4%$130,187$232,000
PittsburghPA0.4%$135,000$184,000
CelinaTX0.4%$112,923$120,000
Foster CityCA0.4%$168,000$214,000
BostonMA0.4%$122,970$154,606
EdisonNJ0.3%$131,997$189,800
CummingGA0.3%$109,283$310,033
LeanderTX0.3%$114,754$174,330
KatyTX0.3%$126,418$190,077
McleanVA0.3%$126,090$151,500
MorrisvilleNC0.3%$131,750$224,000
IrvineCA0.3%$150,700$180,710
MckinneyTX0.3%$112,923$158,000
Fiscal YearYoY Growth iMaximumMedianAverageMinimum
2026In Progress$500,000$134,326$143,274$35.00/hr
2025+1.5%$520,000$131,997$138,054$22.00/hr
2024Flat$423,000$130,000$135,263$27.00/hr
2023+3.2%$520,000$130,000$131,659$22.00/hr
2022+11.4%$545,000$126,000$126,771$29.00/hr
2021+4.7%$500,000$113,110$116,481$29.00/hr
2020+12.1%$349,440$108,000$111,611$21.00/hr
2019+2.5%$350,000$96,366$101,248$24.00/hr
2018+4.4%$360,000$94,000$99,215$18.00/hr
2017Flat$250,000$90,000$93,416$12.00/hr
2016N/A$250,000$90,000$93,627$18.00/hr
Decision DateEmployerLocationBase PayWage LevelStatus
Dec 30, 2025Career Connect Technologies LLCNew York, NY$95,493Level ICertified - Withdrawn
Dec 30, 2025K2 Partnering Solutions, Inc.Gilbert, AZ$119,995Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Coinbase, Inc.New York, NY$179,300Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Google LLCMountain View, CA$230,000Level IIICertified
Dec 30, 2025Msr Technology Group LLCAcworth, GA$109,283Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Vedhops It Services LLCSaint Charles, MO$79,899Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Meta Platforms, Inc.Menlo Park, CA$220,685N/ACertified
Dec 30, 2025Vedhops It Services LLCAubrey, TX$90,896Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Elite It Technologies LLCSunnyvale, CA$121,491N/ACertified
Dec 30, 2025Nvidia CorporationRedmond, WA$224,000Level IVCertified
Dec 30, 2025Cloud Social Technologies LLCChicago, IL$85,467Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Mphasis CorporationAtlanta, GA$122,664Level IIICertified
Dec 30, 2025Mphasis CorporationWestlake, TX$105,000Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Rpa Technologies LLCSan Jose, CA$94,162Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Linkedin CorporationSunnyvale, CA$148,740N/ACertified
Dec 30, 2025Satin Solutions LLCNorth Brunswick, NJ$98,400Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Coinbase, Inc.San Francisco, CA$151,500N/ACertified
Dec 30, 2025Mphasis CorporationCollierville, TN$74,339Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Google LLCSunnyvale, CA$267,000Level IVCertified
Dec 30, 2025Linkedin CorporationSunnyvale, CA$148,740N/ACertified
Dec 30, 2025Machine Intelligence LLCChicago, IL$85,467Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Usg, Inc.Minneapolis, MN$106,000Level IICertified - Withdrawn
Dec 30, 2025Google LLCSan Bruno, CA$162,000Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Nvidia CorporationRedmond, WA$212,202Level IVCertified
Dec 30, 2025Mphasis CorporationJersey City, NJ$98,301Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Meta Platforms, Inc.Menlo Park, CA$188,648Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Meta Platforms, Inc.Menlo Park, CA$225,530Level IVCertified
Dec 30, 2025Meta Platforms, Inc.Menlo Park, CA$184,896Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Ancestry.com Operations Inc.Chicago, IL$120,000Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Google LLCAustin, TX$164,000Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Meta Platforms, Inc.Menlo Park, CA$182,002Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Google LLCMountain View, CA$275,000Level IVCertified
Dec 30, 2025Google LLCKirkland, WA$205,000Level IIICertified
Dec 30, 2025Innovative Consulting Solutions LLCCelina, TX$112,923Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Augmented Reality Technologies LLCChicago, IL$85,467Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Pride Technologies LLCEdison, NJ$189,800Level IIICertified
Dec 30, 2025Mphasis CorporationJersey City, NJ$98,301Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Cache Financials Inc.Sunnyvale, CA$200,000Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Ecom Strategies LLCAtlanta, GA$85,800Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Augmented Reality Technologies LLCChicago, IL$85,467Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Rpa Technologies LLCDearborn, MI$68,141Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Meta Platforms, Inc.Burlingame, CA$232,000Level IVCertified
Dec 30, 2025Ai Technologies LLCSanta Clara, CA$94,162Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Augmented Reality Technologies LLCChicago, IL$85,467Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Linkedin CorporationSunnyvale, CA$148,740N/ACertified
Dec 30, 2025Hs Solutions Inc.Berkeley, CA$109,970Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Meta Platforms, Inc.Menlo Park, CA$185,644N/ACertified
Dec 30, 2025Northstar Group, Inc.Reston, VA$126,090Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Waymo LLCMountain View, CA$200,000Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Augmented Reality Technologies LLCChicago, IL$85,467Level ICertified
Dec 30, 2025Nvidia CorporationSanta Clara, CA$187,574N/ACertified
Dec 30, 2025Ecom Strategies LLCAtlanta, GA$85,800Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Hm Health Solutions, Inc.Irving, TX$119,351Level IICertified
Dec 30, 2025Usg, Inc.Minneapolis, MN$106,000Level IICertified - Withdrawn
Dec 30, 2025Donato Technologies Inc.Maryland Heights, MO$97,386Level IICertified

Role Specific Intelligence (FAQ)

Common questions and insights about the Software Engineer role.

Is it easy to get a Green Card as a Software Engineer professional?
There is a proven track record for permanent residency in this field, highlighted by 614 recent Green Card filings from U.S. employers.

Where do most Software Engineer candidates work on an H-1B?
Google LLC files the highest volume of labor condition applications for this role, with 428 recent filings.

Are Software Engineer roles remote-friendly?
Yes. Location tracking reveals that 52.3% of these workers do not live in the same state as their petitioning employer.

What is the highest paying city for Software Engineer professionals?
Los Gatos, CA currently leads the nation by paying a median of $264,514 for this position.