$150,000 Engineering Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners: The United States stands as a global powerhouse for engineering innovation, attracting some of the brightest minds from across the world. From Silicon Valley’s tech giants to the advanced manufacturing hubs of Texas, engineering professionals are in high demand. For international talent, the U.S. offers lucrative opportunities many of which come with visa sponsorship and annual salaries exceeding $150,000.
Whether you’re a civil engineer designing billion-dollar infrastructure projects or a software engineer developing AI-driven systems, the American job market offers incredible prospects.
Why the USA is the Global Leader in $150,000 Engineering Jobs
The U.S. economy thrives on innovation and large-scale infrastructure two pillars powered by engineering talent. American companies actively recruit global professionals because domestic supply often falls short of demand. As a result, highly skilled engineers from countries like India, the Philippines, Nigeria, China, and South Korea are offered positions with salaries reaching up to $150,000 per year and sometimes even higher.
Key Reasons for High-Paying Engineering Roles in the U.S.
- Talent Shortage: Over 1.5 million engineering jobs remain open annually, creating fierce competition among employers.
- Tech Innovation: AI, robotics, aerospace, and green energy are expanding rapidly.
- Infrastructure Investment: The U.S. government has allocated hundreds of billions of dollars for rebuilding roads, bridges, and clean energy systems.
- Employer-Sponsored Visas: Companies are offering H-1B, EB-2, and EB-3 visas to hire top engineers from abroad.
- Six-Figure Salaries: Entry-level salaries often start at $90,000, while experienced engineers can easily earn $150,000 to $200,000 per year.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship for Foreign Engineers in the USA
Before diving into the highest-paying jobs, it’s essential to understand how visa sponsorship works. Foreign engineers can legally work in the United States through several visa pathways:
1. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation)
The H-1B visa is the most common work visa for engineers. It allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields that require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many engineering positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship, including software, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering roles.
- Visa Duration: 3 years, extendable to 6 years
- Eligible Roles: Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, etc.
- Typical Salary: $120,000 – $170,000
2. EB-2 and EB-3 Employment-Based Green Cards
The EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories offer a direct path to U.S. permanent residency (Green Card). These visas are typically sponsored by employers for highly skilled or advanced degree professionals.
- EB-2: For individuals with master’s degrees or exceptional ability.
- EB-3: For professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
- Average Salaries: $100,000 – $150,000+
3. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)
Engineers working for multinational corporations can relocate to U.S. offices via an L-1 visa. This is ideal for engineers employed by global companies like Siemens, Samsung, or Bosch.
- Visa Duration: Up to 7 years
- Average Salary: $110,000 – $160,000
These visa options open doors to six-figure engineering careers across industries ranging from aerospace and construction to robotics and software development.
Top $150,000 Engineering Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Now, let’s explore the most lucrative engineering roles offering up to $150,000 or more annually, many of which include full relocation packages and visa sponsorship.
1. Software Engineer – $120,000 to $180,000 per year
Software engineers are the backbone of America’s digital economy. From developing AI-powered systems to managing cloud infrastructure, their expertise drives innovation.
Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Meta
Visa Options: H-1B, EB-2
Average Salary: Around $150,000 per year, with senior developers earning up to $200,000.
Software engineers with expertise in machine learning, cybersecurity, or data architecture are among the highest-paid professionals in the country.
2. Electrical Engineer – $100,000 to $160,000 per year
Electrical engineers design systems that power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and energy grids. The push for renewable energy and electric cars has skyrocketed demand.
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship:
- Tesla
- General Electric (GE)
- Lockheed Martin
- Intel
- Siemens USA
Visa Options: H-1B, EB-2
Average Salary: Between $100,000 and $160,000, with senior engineers easily crossing $150,000 annually.
3. Mechanical Engineer – $110,000 to $150,000 per year
Mechanical engineers work across multiple sectors including aerospace, automotive, robotics, and manufacturing. With projects worth billions, their skills are invaluable.
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship:
- Boeing
- Ford Motors
- General Motors
- SpaceX
- Honeywell
Visa Options: H-1B, EB-3
Typical Salary: Around $120,000, with leadership positions reaching $150,000+.
Mechanical engineers working on cutting-edge technologies like autonomous vehicles or 3D manufacturing often receive additional stock and performance bonuses worth tens of thousands of dollars.
4. Civil Engineer – $100,000 to $155,000 per year
With the U.S. investing billions in infrastructure modernization, civil engineers are in extremely high demand. From bridges and highways to smart cities, civil engineering is a stable and well-compensated field.
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship:
- Jacobs Engineering
- Bechtel
- AECOM
- HDR Inc.
- Turner Construction
Visa Options: EB-3, H-1B
Average Salary: Around $110,000 to $155,000, depending on location and specialization.
Senior project managers and structural engineers can earn up to $160,000 per year, especially on government-funded megaprojects.
5. Petroleum Engineer – $130,000 to $190,000 per year
Despite the rise of renewable energy, petroleum engineers remain among the highest-paid in the world. They design and optimize extraction and production systems for oil and gas resources.
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship:
- ExxonMobil
- Chevron
- Schlumberger
- Halliburton
- BP
Visa Options: H-1B, EB-2
Average Salary: Between $130,000 and $190,000, with bonuses often exceeding $20,000 annually.
6. Aerospace Engineer – $120,000 to $180,000 per year
The U.S. aerospace industry is booming thanks to companies like SpaceX, Boeing, and NASA contractors. Aerospace engineers design spacecraft, satellites, and defense systems — work that commands high salaries and visa sponsorships.
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship:
- NASA Contractors
- SpaceX
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Boeing
Visa Options: H-1B, EB-2
Average Salary: Around $150,000 per year.
Many of these employers also cover relocation costs worth $10,000 to $20,000, plus housing stipends and benefits.
7. Chemical Engineer – $110,000 to $160,000 per year
Chemical engineers work in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and energy. The U.S. has some of the world’s largest chemical manufacturing facilities, offering steady employment and high salaries.
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship:
- Dow Chemical
- 3M
- Pfizer
- Merck & Co.
- Johnson & Johnson
Visa Options: EB-2, H-1B
Average Salary: Around $130,000, with top roles exceeding $160,000 annually.
8. Data Engineer – $125,000 to $175,000 per year
As the world shifts to data-driven decision-making, data engineers are becoming indispensable. Their job is to design and manage large-scale data pipelines.
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Google Cloud
- IBM
- Oracle
- Netflix
Visa Options: H-1B, EB-2
Average Salary: Around $150,000 per year, with stock-based bonuses reaching an additional $30,000+.
Highest-Paying States for Engineers in the USA
While salaries vary by state, these regions consistently offer $150,000 or higher for skilled engineers:
| State | Average Engineering Salary | Top Cities |
|---|---|---|
| California | $155,000 | San Francisco, San Jose |
| Washington | $150,000 | Seattle |
| New York | $148,000 | New York City |
| Texas | $140,000 | Austin, Houston |
| Massachusetts | $145,000 | Boston |
| Colorado | $138,000 | Denver |
In California and Washington, software and electrical engineers often surpass $160,000 annually, while Texas engineers in oil and gas or robotics also earn six-figure incomes.
Top U.S. Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship for Engineers
Here are the most consistent sponsors of work visas for engineering talent:
- Google – Average salary: $155,000+
- Microsoft – Offers H-1B sponsorship across multiple disciplines.
- Tesla – Pays mechanical and electrical engineers around $145,000 per year.
- Amazon – Hires thousands of software and data engineers annually.
- Intel – Sponsors foreign professionals in chip design and R&D.
- AECOM & Bechtel – Civil engineers earning $120,000 – $150,000 are in demand.
- Chevron & ExxonMobil – Petroleum engineers earning $180,000+.
These firms not only sponsor visas but also offer relocation allowances and benefits worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Benefits of $150,000 Engineering Jobs in the USA
Working as an engineer in the U.S. with visa sponsorship offers more than a high income. Here are key perks:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance worth over $10,000 annually
- 401(k) Retirement Plans with employer contributions
- Relocation Packages covering $10,000–$20,000
- Bonuses and Stock Options valued at tens of thousands of dollars
- Professional Growth Opportunities through advanced training and leadership programs
When combined, these benefits push total compensation packages beyond $180,000 annually, making the U.S. one of the most rewarding destinations for engineers globally.
READ ALSO: $150,000 Engineering Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners
How to Secure a $150,000 Engineering Job with Visa Sponsorship
1. Build a Strong Resume and Portfolio
Highlight measurable achievements and technical skills. Showcase projects that demonstrate innovation and problem-solving.
2. Obtain Relevant Certifications
Certifications like P.E. (Professional Engineer), AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or PMP can increase your value by tens of thousands of dollars per year.
3. Apply to Global Employers with Sponsorship Programs
Focus on companies that regularly hire international candidates. Websites like LinkedIn Jobs, Glassdoor, and Indeed allow you to filter by “Visa Sponsorship Available.”
4. Prepare for U.S.-Style Interviews
Practice technical interviews and behavioral assessments. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are highly valued.
5. Network and Leverage Professional Platforms
Join associations like IEEE, ASME, or NSPE to connect with employers. Many organizations offer referral programs that fast-track visa sponsorship.
Financial Perspective: What $150,000 Means for Engineers in the USA
A salary of $150,000 per year offers engineers an excellent quality of life. After taxes, most professionals take home around $9,000 to $10,000 per month.
Here’s how that income can break down:
- Housing and utilities: $2,500 – $3,000
- Food and transport: $1,200 – $1,500
- Savings and investments: $2,000 – $3,000
- Leisure and travel: $1,000 – $1,500
This allows foreign engineers to live comfortably, support families, and even invest back home. Many engineers save $20,000–$30,000 annually or purchase homes within two years of relocation.
Future Outlook for International Engineers in the U.S.
The demand for engineering professionals in America is expected to grow by 8% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. New technologies like AI, robotics, green energy, and space exploration are generating thousands of high-paying jobs — many offering visa sponsorship for foreign professionals.
The median engineering salary in the U.S. is projected to exceed $160,000 by 2030, with specialized roles in data, aerospace, and renewable energy leading the way.
FAQs
Can foreign engineers work in the U.S. without a visa?
No, a valid work visa or green card is required. Most international engineers work under H-1B, EB-2, or EB-3 visas.
What qualifications are needed for a $150,000 engineering job?
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, plus relevant experience. Advanced roles may require certifications like P.E. or PMP.
Do U.S. companies sponsor visas for entry-level engineers?
Yes. Major corporations sponsor skilled graduates from abroad, particularly in software, mechanical, and civil engineering.
What are the best states for foreign engineers in the USA?
California, Texas, Washington, and New York are top choices for both job opportunities and salary potential.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take?
The H-1B visa process usually takes 3 to 6 months, while EB-3 green card sponsorship can take up to 12–18 months.