Lead High-Performance Computing Engineer Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$196,000
national median salary
$153,000 to $254,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$273,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$204,000
Washington DC, DC
Lowest Paying
$152,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026. Baseline derived from BLS SOC 15-1252. Full methodology.
The average Lead High-Performance Computing Engineer salary in the United States is $196,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $153,000 at the 25th percentile to $254,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $273,000, while Washington DC offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments.
Lead High-Performance Computing Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase Lead High-Performance Computing Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Lead High-Performance Computing Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $27,440 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$27,440 per year
≈ +$25,480 per year
≈ +$23,520 per year
≈ +$21,560 per year
≈ +$21,560 per year
≈ +$19,600 per year
≈ +$19,600 per year
≈ +$17,640 per year
Total compensation breakdown
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Lead High-Performance Computing Engineers typically earn $176,000 (10% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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