Content has loaded

Principal software engineer salary in Seattle, WA (Updated 2026)

How much does a Principal Software Engineer make in Seattle, WA?

Average base salary

$220,114
25%
above national average
Average $220,114
Low $159,991
High $302,831

The average salary for a principal software engineer is $220,114 per year in Seattle, WA. 176 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated June 24, 2026).

Principal Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA

slide 1 of 6
slide1 of 6
Principal Design Engineer - AI...
Zoom Communications3.7out of 5 stars.
Seattle, WA
$171,800 - $375,900 a year
Full-time
1 day ago

Highest paying companies for Principal Software Engineer in Seattle, WA

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Snap Inc.
 
$324,500per year
View company
Coupang
 
$288,500per year
QXO
 
$287,500per year
ServiceTitan
 
$285,200per year
Arm
 
$284,400per year
Relativity Space
 
$275,875per year

Highest paying cities for Principal Software Engineers near Seattle, WA

  1. Bellevue, WA
    $237,138 per year
  2. Seattle, WA
    $220,114 per year
  3. Redmond, WA
    $211,864 per year
  4. Renton, WA
    $194,764 per year
  5. Everett, WA
    $193,629 per year

Where can a Principal Software Engineer earn more?

Compare salaries for Principal Software Engineers in different locations
vs

How much do similar professions as Principal Software Engineer get paid in Seattle, WA?

Entry Level Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $54,009 per year

Software Engineer Intern

Job openings
Average $46.12 per hour