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Principal software engineer salary in Chicago, IL (Updated 2026)

How much does a Principal Software Engineer make in Chicago, IL?

Average base salary

$175,116
same
as national average
Average $175,116
Low $117,632
High $260,691

The average salary for a principal software engineer is $175,116 per year in Chicago, IL. 82 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated June 22, 2026).

Principal Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL

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Principal Software Engineer (A...
Okta3.9out of 5 stars.
Chicago, IL
$274,000 - $376,200 a year
2 days ago

Highest paying companies for Principal Software Engineer in Chicago, IL

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Pinterest
 
$371,088per year
View company
Mastercard
 
$309,500per year
View company
ShipBob
 
$268,801per year
View company
PayPal
 
$255,975per year
View company
ActiveCampaign
 
$252,700per year
View company
CIRCLE
 
$248,125per year
View company

Highest paying cities for Principal Software Engineers near Chicago, IL

  1. Chicago, IL
    $175,116 per year
  2. Lisle, IL
    $169,707 per year
  3. Springfield, IL
    $159,513 per year
  4. Riverwoods, IL
    $158,611 per year
  5. Evanston, IL
    $149,190 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 Chicago, IL?

Entry Level Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $78,175 per year

Junior Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $99,243 per year

Senior Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $147,528 per year

Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $124,116 per year

Software Engineer Intern

Job openings
Average $32.39 per hour

Staff Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $181,768 per year