Choosing the right field matters when you plan working in the United States, because some roles, IT and network engineering among them, are in demand across the US labour market and pay well. If you work in information technology, computer engineering in the US is one of the stronger options: the country is a global technology centre with steady demand for IT, network and software specialists.
This article covers what an IT engineer does, salaries and the job market, the immigration routes and career prospects for anyone considering moving to the United States.
What an IT engineer does
An IT engineer designs, configures and supports computer systems, networks, databases and software. Almost every company needs someone in the role. The main responsibilities include:
- Building and maintaining networks and servers
- Designing software and hardware systems
- Securing data and systems
- Supporting users and resolving technical problems
- Updating and upgrading systems
- Diagnosing and fixing faults in systems, networks and equipment
- Monitoring networks for performance and resolving disruptions
- Managing and supporting cloud infrastructure such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud
- Running regular data backups and restoring data when needed
- Implementing security protocols to protect data and systems, particularly in organisations that hold customer and personal data
How much does a computer engineer earn in the US?
One of the attractions of IT engineering in the US is the pay and the job security. Based on current job listings on Indeed United States, the salary ranges are set out in the table below:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level IT engineer | About USD 55,000 |
| Mid-level IT engineer | About USD 89,700 |
| Senior IT engineer | Up to USD 146,000 or more |
Job opportunities for IT engineers in the US
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the 2025-2035 decade, with computer and mathematical occupations projected to grow 7.3 per cent and about 280,000 openings a year on average, mostly from the need to replace workers who leave. The drivers are the growth in cybersecurity work, the rapid expansion of cloud computing and the digitisation of businesses across the United States, accelerated since the COVID-19 period.
Which industries hire IT engineers?
IT engineers in the US do not only work at technology companies. They find work in almost every sector, and the table below sets out the main ones:
| Industry | Average annual salary in US dollars |
|---|---|
| Software technology | USD 130,559 |
| Aerospace and defense | USD 130,574 |
| Medical services and biotechnology | USD 128,141 |
| Banking and fintech | Over USD 120,000 |
| Universities and educational institutions | USD 80,000 to 110,000 |
The outlook for IT engineers in the US
The outlook is strong. As artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, cybersecurity and blockchain applications develop, demand for IT specialists is likely to grow further.
Companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla and Apple all recruit in this field. If you have not yet chosen a specialism, IT engineering is worth researching; if you already work in the field, building your experience and your English improves your position for a move to the United States. The routes are set out below.
How to move to the US as an IT engineer
To work in the United States as an IT engineer, you generally need:
- A recognised degree in computer science or IT
- Strong English, evidenced by IELTS or TOEFL
- A job offer from a US employer
- A US work visa, such as the H-1B, or an alternative category
The next step is choosing the right visa category.
The main routes for IT engineers
Several lawful routes exist for IT engineers, and the best known is the H-1B. The H-1B work visa is one of the most used categories for specialists in STEM fields, including IT and software. Once you have a job offer from a US company, the employer files an electronic registration for the annual H-1B cap and files the petition if you are selected. Selection is no longer a straight random draw: under the rule in force since 27 February 2026, registrations are weighted by the OEWS wage level of the offered role, so a wage level IV registration is entered into the pool four times, level III three times, level II twice and level I once.
A second route is employment-based permanent residence, the EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories, aimed at people with higher qualifications and substantial work experience. If you work for a multinational, an intra-company transfer on an L-1 visa may also be available.
Some engineers arrive as students on an F-1 visa, then use Optional Practical Training (OPT) and change status to a work visa before pursuing permanent residence. If you have an innovative or startup project, the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, or the International Entrepreneur Rule, may apply; note that the United States has no dedicated startup visa. With the right experience, skills and preparation the routes are open, but each has its own conditions and quotas, so take advice from a qualified immigration professional before you commit.
Moving to the United States with Aval Visa
IT engineering in the US combines strong pay, job security, room to progress and varied work in large organisations. If you work in the field, a move to the United States can be a significant step in your career. If you would rather study computing or IT at a US university first and then work, you can apply for a US student visa and secure a place at the institution you want.
Whichever route you take, the Aval Visa team can help. Fill in the free consultation form and we will assess which route fits your circumstances, your skills and your budget.
Frequently asked questions
- Which skills matter most for an IT move to the US? Programming (Python, Java, C), software development, cybersecurity, network administration, DevOps and database work come first. Beyond that, keep building your technical skills so you can win an offer from a credible employer.
- What does the hiring process look like for IT engineers? Recruitment in the US usually involves a technical skills assessment, a problem-solving and algorithm test, a cultural fit assessment, technical and behavioural interviews and, where relevant, practical coding tests.
- Which US states are best for IT engineers? California, Texas, Washington, New York and Massachusetts offer the most openings and the highest salaries in this field.
- What language test scores do I need for study or work in IT in the US? TOEFL scores of 79 to 100, IELTS of 6.5 to 8 and PTE of 65 to 79 are generally accepted. The range reflects differences between universities and employers and their own requirements.
