Principal Developer Salary in the United States

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How much does a Principal Developer make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Principal Developer in the United States is $182,622. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $151,570 to a high of $217,911, with most professionals earning between $166,369 and $201,094.

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Salary range for a Principal Developer
$166,369 to $201,094
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Principal Developer Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Principal Developer between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Principal Developer in each city.

Principal Developer Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Principal Developer in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $228,077
Washington, DC $202,200
Miami, FL $175,464
Chicago, IL $188,722
Boston, MA $203,679
New York, NY $211,641
Dallas, TX $180,340
If you'd like know Principal Developer Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Principal Developer

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
166369
201094
182622

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
179328
224505
199264
What is the average salary for Principal Developer in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Principal Developer in the United States. The base salary for Principal Developer ranges from $166,369 to $201,094 with the average base salary of $182,622. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $179,328 to $224,505 with the average total cash compensation of $199,264.

View Average Salary for Principal Developer as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $182,622 $166,369 - $201,094
Bonus $16,642 $12,959 - $23,411
Total Pay $199,264 $179,328 - $224,505
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

Estimate Salary for Principal Developer online for free

Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Principal Developer, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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Your target salary is ?
166369
201094

 

Comments about Principal Developer

What's the difference between Principal Software Developer and Principal Developer?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Principal Developer is $182,622, and the average salary of Principal Software Developer is $156,364. The average salary of Principal Software Developer is lower than Principal Developer. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Principal Developer, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Principal Developer. a Principal Developer Salary in Riverside, CA is $192,685 as of April 01, 2025; a Principal Developer Salary in Bossier City, LA is $167,538 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Principal Developer Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Principal Developer vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Principal Developer?
Salary ranges for a Principal Developer can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Recently searched related titles: Software Engineering Team Lead

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

Jobs with a similar salary range to Principal Developer : Senior Principal Engineer, Senior Principal Software Engineer

Last Update: April 01, 2025