Principal Software Engineer Salary

How much does a principal software engineer make? Real compensation data updated December 2025.

$197,219
Average Min
$265,546
Average Max
$257,500
Median Salary
$421,000
Top Salary
Entry level: $209,739
Senior level: $318,975
Top earners: $364,550

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Principal Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level

How principal software engineer salaries vary based on seniority and experience.

Senior

$265,546
average max salary
Range: $197,219 - $265,546
Based on 89 jobs

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Principal Software Engineer Salary by Region

Compare principal software engineer compensation across different geographic regions.

Principal Software Engineer Salary by Industry

How principal software engineer salaries vary across different industries.

Find Principal Software Engineer Jobs with Transparent Salaries

Browse principal software engineer positions from companies that share compensation upfront.

Real Job Data

Salaries from actual principal software engineer job postings.

Updated Regularly

Data refreshed as new jobs are posted.

USD Based

All figures in US Dollars, annual.