Principal software engineer salary in United States (Updated 2026)
How much does a Principal Software Engineer make in the United States?
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The average salary for a principal software engineer is $184,035 per year in the United States. 9.5k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated November 2, 2026).
Highest paying companies for Principal Software Engineer in United States
Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.Hiring a Principal Software Engineer?
Highest paying cities for Principal Software Engineers near United States
Where can a Principal Software Engineer earn more?
Compare salaries for Principal Software Engineers in different locations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Principal Software Engineer
The average salary for a Principal Software Engineer is $184,035 per year in the United States. This figure is based on 9.5k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on November 2, 2026.
Principal Software Engineer jobs on Indeed - find your next one today.
Principal Software Engineer salaries typically range between a low of $118,485 and a high of $285,847 per year, depending on experience, location, and the hiring company.
Some of the highest-paying cities for Principal Software Engineer include San Mateo, CA at $320,068 per year, San Jose, CA at $235,590 per year, and San Francisco, CA at $235,581 per year.
Compensation can vary based on the specific niche and level of responsibility within the field. Here is how the average Principal Software Engineer salary compares to related positions: