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Principal software engineer salary in Boston, MA (Updated 2026)

How much does a Principal Software Engineer make in Boston, MA?

Average base salary

$196,282
11%
above national average
Average $196,282
Low $130,080
High $296,178

The average salary for a principal software engineer is $196,282 per year in Boston, MA. 260 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated June 27, 2026).

Principal Software Engineer job openings in Boston, MA

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Senior Principal Engineer Soft...
Palo Alto Networks3.8out of 5 stars.
Boston, MA
$170,000 - $277,000 a year
3 days ago

Highest paying companies for Principal Software Engineer in Boston, MA

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Akkodis
 
$343,200per year
View company
Klaviyo
 
$305,500per year
Mastercard
 
$299,000per year
General Motors (GM)
 
$285,900per year
Fidelity TalentSource
 
$270,400per year
CIRCLE
 
$248,125per year

Highest paying cities for Principal Software Engineers near Boston, MA

  1. Natick, MA
    $202,215 per year
  2. Boston, MA
    $196,282 per year
  3. Hopkinton, MA
    $192,001 per year
  4. Woburn, MA
    $175,542 per year
  5. Hanscom AFB, MA
    $171,871 per year

Where can a Principal Software Engineer earn more?

Compare salaries for Principal Software Engineers in different locations
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How much do similar professions as Principal Software Engineer get paid in Boston, MA?

Entry Level Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $55,215 per year

Junior Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $92,034 per year

Software Engineer Intern

Job openings
Average $30.67 per hour