$120,000 Tech Jobs in the USA with H-1B Visa Sponsorship: The United States remains the global epicenter of technological innovation from Silicon Valley’s thriving ecosystem to fast-growing tech hubs like Austin, Seattle, and Boston.
Every year, thousands of highly skilled tech professionals across the world pursue their American dream through H-1B visa sponsorship. Many of these jobs come with impressive salary packages averaging $120,000 or more per year, offering life-changing opportunities and financial stability.
Understanding the H-1B Visa: A Pathway to $120,000+ Tech Careers
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized fields such as information technology, engineering, data science, and finance. The visa is valid for three years and can be extended for another three.
For skilled professionals from countries like India, China, and the Philippines, the H-1B program represents a gateway to earning six-figure salaries — often starting at $120,000 per year.
Key Features of the H-1B Visa
- Sponsorship by a U.S. employer
- Annual lottery system for selection due to high demand
- Specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree
- Potential for green card transition after several years
Tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta sponsor thousands of H-1B visas every year, offering salaries ranging from $120,000 to over $200,000, depending on the role and experience level.
Top $120,000 Tech Jobs in the USA That Offer H-1B Visa Sponsorship
If you’re an international tech professional aiming for a lucrative career in the U.S., the following positions are among the most in-demand and high-paying — many with salaries exceeding $120,000 annually.
1. Software Engineer ($120,000 – $180,000 per year)
Software engineering continues to dominate the H-1B job market. U.S. companies are constantly seeking skilled developers proficient in languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, and Go.
Top Employers:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Oracle
- Meta (Facebook)
Why It Pays So Well:
Software engineers build and maintain the core systems that power billion-dollar enterprises. Entry-level engineers at major tech companies often start with base salaries of $120,000, with bonuses and stock options pushing total compensation well beyond $160,000 annually.
2. Data Scientist ($120,000 – $190,000 per year)
The rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning has skyrocketed demand for data scientists who can extract insights from large datasets.
Top Employers:
- IBM
- NVIDIA
- Tesla
- Airbnb
Required Skills:
- Machine learning
- Deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Data visualization tools
- Statistical modeling
A data scientist working in California or New York can easily command a $120,000 starting salary, with experienced professionals earning $150,000 to $200,000 or more.
3. Cloud Engineer ($120,000 – $175,000 per year)
Cloud computing has become a fundamental part of modern business. Professionals skilled in AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure are among the highest-paid in the industry.
Top Employers:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Google Cloud
- IBM Cloud
- Accenture
- Deloitte
Cloud engineers often start around $120,000 annually, with senior roles in cloud architecture reaching $180,000 or higher. Many of these roles offer H-1B sponsorship due to the ongoing global shortage of cloud professionals.
4. Cybersecurity Engineer ($125,000 – $200,000 per year)
As cybersecurity threats evolve, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can protect critical infrastructure.
Top Employers:
- Cisco
- Palo Alto Networks
- Lockheed Martin
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- CrowdStrike
Cybersecurity engineers with certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CISM can earn an average of $125,000, with senior-level professionals commanding salaries up to $200,000 annually.
5. DevOps Engineer ($120,000 – $170,000 per year)
DevOps specialists streamline software delivery and deployment processes, making them indispensable to modern tech operations.
Top Employers:
- Netflix
- Salesforce
- Capital One
- Shopify
- Atlassian
With expertise in Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines, DevOps engineers can easily earn $120,000 or more, especially in regions like California, Washington, and Texas.
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer ($130,000 – $210,000 per year)
AI engineers design and implement systems that learn from data and perform human-like tasks. Their expertise is critical for automation and intelligent decision-making systems.
Top Employers:
- Google DeepMind
- OpenAI
- Apple
- NVIDIA
- Amazon Robotics
An AI engineer in the U.S. can earn between $130,000 and $210,000 annually, depending on experience and education. This role is one of the most in-demand for H-1B visa sponsorship due to the global shortage of AI experts.
7. Product Manager ($120,000 – $185,000 per year)
Tech product managers oversee the development and success of software products. They combine business, user experience, and technical skills to drive innovation.
Top Employers:
- Microsoft
- Uber
- Salesforce
- Meta
With average salaries starting at $120,000, product managers in top-tier tech companies often receive total compensation packages exceeding $180,000 with bonuses and stock options.
8. Blockchain Developer ($120,000 – $160,000 per year)
Blockchain technology has expanded far beyond cryptocurrency, creating demand for skilled blockchain developers.
Top Employers:
- Coinbase
- Ripple
- IBM Blockchain
- ConsenSys
- Chainalysis
These developers earn an average of $120,000 per year, with top professionals earning upwards of $160,000, especially in fintech and decentralized finance (DeFi) sectors.
9. Full Stack Developer ($115,000 – $150,000 per year)
Full stack developers are multi-skilled professionals capable of handling both front-end and back-end development. Their versatility makes them valuable assets for startups and enterprises alike.
Top Employers:
- Stripe
- Shopify
- Adobe
- Twitter (X)
- Square
The average salary for a full stack developer with H-1B sponsorship starts at $115,000, with senior roles paying $140,000 – $150,000.
10. Machine Learning Engineer ($125,000 – $200,000 per year)
Machine learning engineers specialize in developing algorithms that enable systems to improve automatically. This high-demand field consistently ranks among the best-paid jobs in the world.
Top Employers:
- Google AI
- Amazon
- Microsoft Research
- Meta AI
- Tesla
Salaries range from $125,000 for entry-level engineers to over $200,000 for experienced professionals, especially in research-heavy environments.
Top U.S. Companies Offering H-1B Sponsorship for Tech Professionals
According to U.S. Department of Labor data, these companies are consistently among the largest sponsors of H-1B visas:
- Amazon – Thousands of H-1B petitions approved annually, with average salaries exceeding $125,000.
- Google – Known for hiring international talent across engineering, AI, and data roles with packages starting at $130,000.
- Microsoft – Offers sponsorship for multiple tech roles, including cloud and AI, averaging $120,000+.
- Meta (Facebook) – Data scientists and software engineers earn well above $150,000 annually.
- Apple – Competitive pay starting at $120,000, plus generous stock options.
- Intel – Sponsors roles in semiconductor design and AI, averaging $125,000.
- Deloitte and Accenture – Major consulting firms sponsoring thousands of tech H-1Bs yearly, paying $110,000–$140,000.
These firms not only offer high salaries but also provide relocation assistance, health benefits, and career development opportunities worth tens of thousands of dollars each year.
How to Secure a $120,000 Tech Job in the USA with H-1B Visa Sponsorship
Landing a high-paying tech job in the U.S. requires more than just technical skills. Here are steps to boost your chances:
1. Build a Strong Resume
Highlight your expertise, achievements, and measurable outcomes. Tailor your resume for each job, focusing on skills that directly align with the job description.
2. Gain In-Demand Certifications
Certifications from AWS, Google Cloud, Cisco, or CompTIA can significantly increase your salary potential. Many H-1B applicants with advanced certifications earn over $120,000.
3. Network Effectively
Join tech communities on LinkedIn, GitHub, and Stack Overflow. Referrals often increase your chances of getting an interview at companies that sponsor H-1B visas.
4. Apply During the H-1B Registration Window
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opens H-1B registration annually around March. Having a sponsoring employer ready by then is crucial.
5. Prepare for Technical Interviews
Many employers test your skills through coding challenges and system design interviews. Practice on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank.
READ ALSO: $150,000 Engineering Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners
Cost of Living vs. Salary: What Does $120,000 Mean in the USA?
A $120,000 salary may sound like a fortune, but the actual value varies by location.
- San Francisco, CA: $120,000 may equate to roughly $80,000 after taxes and high rent costs.
- Austin, TX: With no state income tax, your $120,000 salary goes much further.
- Seattle, WA: Home to major tech employers like Amazon and Microsoft, offering salaries often above $130,000 to match the cost of living.
Regardless of location, $120,000 remains a competitive and comfortable salary, allowing H-1B professionals to save money, invest, and support families back home.
Future Outlook for H-1B Tech Jobs in the USA
The U.S. tech industry is projected to grow by over 20% in the next decade, creating millions of new positions that require advanced skills. With artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity at the forefront, international talent will continue to play a vital role.
Employers are also becoming more flexible with remote or hybrid work, which could further expand opportunities for H-1B visa holders in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
What is the minimum salary for H-1B tech jobs in the USA?
The minimum wage depends on job type and location, but most tech roles start around $80,000–$120,000 per year, with top companies paying much higher.
Can I change employers on an H-1B visa?
Yes, you can transfer your H-1B visa to a new employer that agrees to sponsor you. The process is known as an H-1B transfer.
Do startups offer H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, many startups, especially in fintech, AI, and SaaS, offer H-1B sponsorships to attract specialized talent. Salaries may start around $100,000 to $130,000 depending on funding and role.
How long can I stay in the U.S. on an H-1B visa?
The H-1B visa is typically valid for three years, extendable to six years, and can lead to a green card application.
What happens if I lose my job on an H-1B visa?
You have a 60-day grace period to find another sponsoring employer or leave the country. Proper networking and resume readiness can help you secure a new offer quickly.