Uber is still paying top dollar for skilled tech workers, but it is asking for far fewer work visas to bring them in. The ride-hailing company filed 364 H-1B applications in the first half of fiscal 2026 compared to 497 in the same period last year. That's a signal that hiring is slowing even as salaries for some roles hit $410,000.
The drop in H-1B applications has two main causes. First, the Trump administration raised visa fees last year, making each application more expensive. Second, Uber is slowing hiring in some areas to invest more in artificial intelligence.
Across the tech industry, companies are becoming more deliberate about adding staff because they are directing funds toward artificial intelligence. Uber now expects its employees to be more productive, according to company filings.
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The salary data covers many roles beyond engineering. A senior product manager earns $196,300 to $225,700. A lead product manager makes up to $260,000.
A senior data scientist (tech) falls between $175,600 and $193,700. Operations and finance jobs also pay well: a senior manager of strategic finance earns $197,200 to $250,000, and a regional operations manager gets $116,500 to $146,900. Even a senior accountant - a role not typically associated with tech pay - earns $117,100 to $130,400.
The reduction in H-1B filings reflects a wider shift among major technology employers. The higher visa fees implemented by the previous administration added to the cost of each petition, while the rapid expansion of AI investments has prompted many firms to prioritize automation over traditional headcount growth. Uber, which has long relied on H-1B visas to fill specialized engineering and data roles, now appears to be focusing on internal productivity gains and software-driven efficiency rather than hiring large numbers of new foreign-born workers. This trend may continue as the company allocates more resources to its AI initiatives.
Uber's continued high pay for specialized roles indicates that while the overall number of foreign hires is dropping, the company remains willing to pay a premium for the most critical positions. The $410,000 top figure for software engineering managers contrasts with the broader slowdown, highlighting a selective strategy focused on key AI and engineering leaders.
The six-month filing period ended March 31, so analysts will watch future data to see if the trend continues. Uber did not comment on the numbers. The company's move toward AI investment suggests hiring for traditional roles may stay slow.
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