Principal software engineer salary in San Francisco, CA (Updated 2026)
How much does a Principal Software Engineer make in San Francisco, CA?
Average base salary
- Hour
- Year
The average salary for a principal software engineer is $235,971 per year in San Francisco, CA. 249 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated October 4, 2026).
Highest paying companies for Principal Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA
Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.Looking to Hire?
Highest paying cities for Principal Software Engineers near San Francisco, CA
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 $235,971 per year in San Francisco, CA. This figure is based on 249 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on October 4, 2026.
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Principal Software Engineer salaries in San Francisco, CA typically range between a low of $161,436 and a high of $344,918 per year, depending on experience and the hiring company.
Some of the highest-paying cities for Principal Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA include San Mateo, CA at $319,443 per year, San Jose, CA at $235,405 per year, and Santa Clara, CA at $220,807 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 in San Francisco, CA compares to related positions:
- Entry Level Software Engineer: Average $130,086 per year
- Junior Software Engineer: Average $171,198 per year
- Senior Software Engineer: Average $199,857 per year
- Software Engineer: Average $185,549 per year
- Software Engineer Intern: Average $55.10 per hour
- Staff Software Engineer: Average $237,598 per year