How Much Does a Principal Software Test Engineer Make?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Principal Software Test Engineer in the United States is $76,449. While Salary.com is seeing that Principal Software Test Engineer salary in the US can go up to $85,378 or down to $65,496, but most earn between $70,716 and $81,122. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Principal Software Test Engineer
Principal Test Engineer
$154,434
US
Per Year
Software Test Engineer
$77,215
US
Per Year
Software Engineer In Test
$80,268
US
Per Year
Principal Software Engineer
$130,929
US
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Principal Software Test Engineer by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Dexian DISYS
Principal Software Engineer in Test
$165,016/yr
$152,281
$177,751
RANGE: $152,281 - $177,751
Stryker Sports Medicine
Principal Software Test Engineer
$108,669/yr
$98,853
$118,485
RANGE: $98,853 - $118,485
Fidelity Investments
Principal Software Engineer in Test
$157,948/yr
$145,505
$170,391
RANGE: $145,505 - $170,391
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc
Principal Software Test Engineer
$101,332/yr
$91,931
$110,734
RANGE: $91,931 - $110,734
BAE Systems
Principal Test Software Engineer
$141,197/yr
$129,772
$152,622
RANGE: $129,772 - $152,622
RogueThink
Sr. Principal Software Test Engineer / Principal Software Test Engineer
$120,169/yr
$109,326
$131,011
RANGE: $109,326 - $131,011
Russell Solutions Group
Sr/ Principal Software Test Engineer
$137,712/yr
$125,565
$149,859
RANGE: $125,565 - $149,859
II-VI Incorporated
Software Test Development Engineer, Principal
$127,375/yr
$117,155
$137,595
RANGE: $117,155 - $137,595
Vast
Principal Flight Software Test Engineer
$124,343/yr
$113,111
$135,575
RANGE: $113,111 - $135,575
Gainwell
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test
$121,969/yr
$112,421
$131,518
RANGE: $112,421 - $131,518

Open Principal Software Test Engineer Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Principal Software Test Engineer Do?

White box and black box testing are two ways software engineers, developers and testers make sure the software works as it should.
Updated December 22, 2021
It helps to understand how a candidate feels about what makes someone the best in their career and how they feel about their skills and what makes them a good or great software engineer.
Updated December 21, 2021
Many software engineers enter the profession by obtaining a university degree or training at a vocational school.
Updated December 16, 2021
These internships can introduce the student to interesting real-world tasks that typical software engineers encounter every day.
Updated December 13, 2021
Requirements for the licensing or certification of professional software engineers vary around the world.
Updated December 12, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Principal Software Test Engineer Salaries

What is the average of a Principal Software Test Engineer in the United States?

The Principal Software Test Engineer salary range is from $70,716 to $81,122, and the average Principal Software Test Engineer salary is $76,449/year in the United States. The Principal Software Test Engineer's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Principal Software Test Engineer salary in the United States?

The Principal Software Test Engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $96,425 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Principal Software Test Engineer's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Principal Software Test Engineer.

What is the growth rate of the Principal Software Test Engineer's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Principal Software Test Engineer or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Principal Software Test Engineer.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Principal Software Test Engineer salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$76,449 Yearly
A Principal Software Test Engineer in Bloomington, IN reported making $76,449 per year
Bloomington, IN
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$33 Hourly
A Principal Software Test Engineer in Bremerton, WA reported making $33 per hour
Bremerton, WA
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$39 Hourly
A Principal Software Test Engineer in Biddeford, ME reported making $39 per hour
Biddeford, ME
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$68,247 Yearly
A Principal Software Test Engineer in Dickinson, ND reported making $68,247 per year
Dickinson, ND
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$74,697 Yearly
A Principal Software Test Engineer in Aiken, SC reported making $74,697 per year
Aiken, SC
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$6,039 Monthly
A Principal Software Test Engineer in Binghamton, NY reported making $6,039 per month
Binghamton, NY
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public