Principal Software Engineer Salary in the United States

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Principal Software Engineer Salary

How much does a Principal Software Engineer make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Principal Software Engineer in the United States is $130,929. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $120,246 to $143,003, with most professionals earning between $110,520 and $153,995.

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Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
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Principal Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $110,520 US April 01, 2025
25th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $120,246 US April 01, 2025
50th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $130,929 US April 01, 2025
75th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $143,003 US April 01, 2025
90th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $153,995 US April 01, 2025
25% $120,246 10% $110,520 90% $153,995 75% $143,003 $130,929 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Principal Software Engineer

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Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Principal Software Engineer

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

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Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
120246
143003
130929

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
120246
143003
130929
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Principal Software Engineer in the United States. The base salary for Principal Software Engineer ranges from $120,246 to $143,003 with the average base salary of $130,929. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $120,246 to $143,003 with the average total cash compensation of $130,929.

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120246
143003

 

Skills associated with Principal Software Engineer: Design, Planning, Software Development, BUILD ...More

Recently searched related titles: Application Software Engineer, Controls Software Engineer, Delivery Software Engineer

Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role

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