How Much Nike Pays U.S. Software Engineers According to H-1B Data

When considering a career as a software engineer in the United States 🇺🇸, especially with a global brand like Nike, understanding the details of compensation, visa sponsorship, and long-term prospects is essential. For foreign tech professionals, the H 1B visa is often the main route to work in the U.S. 🇺🇸. This comparison will break down what Nike offers software engineers, how its H 1B visa sponsorship works, and how these options stack up against each other for different types of candidates. The goal is to help you decide if Nike is the right fit for your career and immigration goals.

Overview: Nike’s Tech Push and H 1B Sponsorship

Nike is not just a leader in sportswear; it’s also becoming a major player in technology. The company’s recent hiring and compensation data, especially for H 1B visa holders, shows a strong focus on building its digital and engineering teams. Nike’s CEO, Elliott Hill, has set a clear direction: invest in technology, digital transformation, and top tech talent. This is reflected in the company’s high number of H 1B filings and the Competitive Pay offered to software engineers.

Let’s compare the two main options for foreign tech talent at Nike:

1. Joining Nike as a Software Engineer on an H 1B Visa
2. Pursuing Other U.S. Tech Employers for H 1B Sponsorship

We’ll look at requirements, timelines, costs, pros and cons, and which option might be best for you.

1. Nike’s H 1B Visa Sponsorship for Software Engineers

Requirements

• Job Offer: You must have a job offer from Nike for a role that requires specialized knowledge, usually a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, engineering, or a related field.
• H 1B Eligibility: The H 1B visa is for jobs that need a specific degree or equivalent experience. Nike’s software engineering roles clearly meet this standard.
• Labor Condition Application (LCA): Nike must file an LCA with the U.S. Department of Labor. This form confirms that you’ll be paid at least the prevailing wage for your role and location. You can view more about the LCA process on the Department of Labor’s official site.
• H 1B Petition: After the LCA is approved, Nike files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. The main form used is Form I-129.

Timelines

• Annual Cap: The H 1B visa has a yearly limit—65,000 regular slots and 20,000 extra for those with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
• Lottery: Most applicants must go through a lottery, usually held in March or April.
• Processing: If selected, the process from LCA to visa approval can take 3–6 months, sometimes longer if there are delays.
• Start Date: Most H 1B visas become active on October 1 of the year you apply.

Costs

• Employer Pays: Nike covers most costs, including government filing fees and legal expenses.
• Personal Costs: You may pay for things like document translation or travel, but the main fees are Nike’s responsibility.

Compensation

• Base Salary: According to recent H 1B filings, software engineers at Nike earn between $139,845 and $192,227 per year.
• Entry-Level: Around $112,000 total compensation (base, equity, bonuses).
• Senior Engineers: Up to $296,000 total compensation.
• Median Package: About $175,000 for most software engineers.
• Other Tech Roles: Data engineers can earn from $99,123 to $265,466, while analytics roles go up to $163,985.
• Leadership: Senior directors in software engineering can make $301,378.

Locations

• Most H 1B hires are based in Beaverton, Oregon (Nike’s headquarters), but there are also roles in cities like New York, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, Sunnyvale, and Ashburn.

Approval Rate

• Nike has a near-perfect approval rate for H 1B applications, with only a small number denied or withdrawn in recent years.

2. Other U.S. Tech Employers for H 1B Visa Sponsorship

Requirements

• Job Offer: Like Nike, you need a job offer for a specialized role.
• H 1B Eligibility: The same rules apply—jobs must require a specific degree or equivalent experience.
• LCA and Petition: The process is the same: employer files an LCA, then a petition with USCIS.

Timelines

• Annual Cap and Lottery: All employers face the same H 1B cap and lottery system.
• Processing Times: These can vary by employer, but most follow a similar timeline—3–6 months from application to approval.

Costs

• Employer Pays: Most reputable tech companies cover the main costs, just like Nike.
• Personal Costs: Similar to Nike, you may have some minor expenses.

Compensation

• Varies Widely: Some tech giants (like Google, Microsoft, Amazon) may offer higher base salaries or larger equity packages, especially in high-cost cities.
• Entry-Level: Can range from $110,000 to $150,000 base salary, with total compensation often higher in places like Silicon Valley.
• Senior Roles: Some companies offer total compensation well above $300,000 for senior engineers.
• Other Tech Roles: Data and analytics roles also pay well, but the range depends on company size, location, and job level.

Locations

• Many tech companies are based in major cities like San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Austin.
• Cost of living can be much higher in these cities compared to Beaverton, Oregon.

Approval Rate

• Approval rates vary. Some companies have strong legal teams and high approval rates, while others may have more denials or withdrawals.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Pros and Cons for Different Situations

Nike H 1B Visa Sponsorship

Pros:
– Competitive Pay: Salaries are at or above industry averages for software engineers, especially in Oregon.
– Strong Approval Rate: Nike’s near-perfect H 1B approval rate means less risk of visa denial.
– Brand Recognition: Working for Nike adds a well-known name to your resume.
– Digital Growth: Nike’s focus on digital transformation creates opportunities for skill development and advancement.
– Locations: Oregon offers a lower cost of living than many tech hubs, with additional roles in major cities.

Cons:
– Restructuring: Nike has recently cut some tech jobs and outsourced certain roles, which may create uncertainty.
– Fewer Tech-Only Roles: Nike is not a pure tech company, so some roles may blend technology with retail or product functions.
– Limited Locations: Most tech roles are in Oregon, which may not appeal to everyone.

Other U.S. Tech Employers H 1B Sponsorship

Pros:
– Higher Pay at Top Firms: Some companies offer higher base salaries and equity, especially in Silicon Valley.
– Tech-First Culture: Pure tech companies may offer more technical projects and faster innovation.
– More Locations: Opportunities in many cities, including global tech hubs.
– Career Mobility: Easier to move between tech companies or roles.

Cons:
– Higher Cost of Living: Salaries may be higher, but so are living expenses in places like San Francisco or New York.
– Job Security: The tech sector has seen layoffs and hiring freezes, especially at startups.
– Approval Rate Varies: Not all companies have Nike’s strong track record with H 1B approvals.

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

• If you want stability and a strong brand: Nike is a solid choice, especially if you value working for a global company with a strong H 1B approval record.
• If you want the highest possible pay: Consider top tech firms in Silicon Valley or Seattle, but weigh this against higher living costs and more competition.
• If you prefer a lower cost of living: Nike’s Oregon base may offer a better balance of pay and expenses.
• If you want pure tech projects: A company focused only on technology may provide more technical challenges and growth.
• If you value job security: Nike’s ongoing investment in tech and high H 1B approval rate make it a safer bet than some startups or smaller firms.

Decision-Making Framework

To decide which path is best for you, consider these questions:

1. What are your career goals?
   • Do you want to work for a global brand like Nike, or do you prefer a pure tech company?
2. How important is salary versus cost of living?
   • High pay in expensive cities may not go as far as a slightly lower salary in a more affordable area.
3. Do you need visa security?
   • Nike’s strong H 1B approval rate reduces risk.
4. Are you open to relocating?
   • Nike’s main tech hub is in Oregon, while other companies may be in different cities.
5. What kind of work culture do you want?
   • Nike blends sports and tech, while other firms may be more tech-focused.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

• Research Openings: Use sites like myvisajobs.com or h1bdata.info to see real-time job listings and salary data for Nike and other tech employers.
• Understand the H 1B Process: Review the USCIS H 1B visa page for official information on eligibility, forms, and timelines.
• Prepare Your Application: Make sure your resume, degree, and experience match the job requirements. Gather all necessary documents early.
• Ask About Sponsorship: When interviewing, confirm that the employer will sponsor your H 1B visa and cover the main costs.
• Consider Long-Term Plans: Think about whether the company supports green card applications if you want to stay in the U.S. 🇺🇸 long-term.

Conclusion

Nike’s approach to hiring software engineers through the H 1B visa program shows a strong commitment to building a world-class tech team. The company offers competitive pay, a high approval rate for visas, and a clear focus on digital transformation. However, it’s important to weigh these benefits against recent restructuring and the unique culture of a sportswear brand. Other U.S. 🇺🇸 tech employers may offer higher pay or more technical roles, but often come with higher living costs and more uncertainty.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Nike’s H 1B sponsorship activity and compensation packages put it among the top choices for foreign software engineers seeking a stable, rewarding career in the United States 🇺🇸. By carefully comparing your options and considering your personal goals, you can make the best decision for your future.

For more details on the H 1B process, including official forms and requirements, visit the USCIS H 1B visa page. This resource provides up-to-date information on eligibility, application steps, and important deadlines.

Taking the time to compare your options and prepare your application will help you secure the best possible outcome—whether at Nike or another leading tech employer.

Learn Today

H 1B Visa → A U.S. work visa for specialty occupations requiring specific degrees or equivalent experience.
Labor Condition Application → A document filed by employers confirming prevailing wage payment and compliance with labor standards.
USCIS → The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency handling visa petitions and approvals.
Lottery → A random selection process due to the limited annual H 1B visa cap.
Prevailing Wage → The standard wage rate set by the Department of Labor for specific job roles and locations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Nike is investing heavily in technology, offering competitive salaries and strong H 1B sponsorship for software engineers. Its near-perfect approval rate and digital transformation focus make it appealing for foreign tech talent seeking stable U.S. careers, especially when compared to other tech employers’ varied compensation and risks.
— By VisaVerge.com