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Hourly Wage for Principal Algorithm Engineer Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Principal Algorithm Engineer?

As of January 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Principal Algorithm Engineer in the United States is $76, which translates to an annual salary of about $158,400.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72 to $82 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $69 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $72 10% $69 90% $87 75% $82 $76 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Principal Algorithm Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $169,800 $14,150 $3,265 $82
Average $158,400 $13,200 $3,046 $76
25th Percentile $150,200 $12,517 $2,888 $72
Check out Principal Algorithm Engineer Job Openings in the United States
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Constellation Energy - LINCOLN, MA

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Key Factors That Influence Principal Algorithm Engineer Salaries

A Principal Algorithm Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Principal Algorithm Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Algorithm Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $155,096
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $155,707
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $156,319
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $157,543
  • Expert (over 8 years): $160,101
Levels Salary
Entry Level Principal Algorithm Engineer$155,096
Intermediate Level Principal Algorithm Engineer$155,707
Senior Level Principal Algorithm Engineer$156,319
Specialist Level Principal Algorithm Engineer$157,543
Expert Level Principal Algorithm Engineer$160,101
$155,096 0 yr
$155,707 < 2 yrs
$156,319 2-4 yrs
$157,543 5-8 yrs
$160,101 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Principal Algorithm Engineers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $199,800
  • San Francisco: $197,800
  • Oakland: $193,400

What Skills Can Increase a Principal Algorithm Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Insight (Mentioned in 3.42% Job Postings): Insight is the understanding cause and effect based on the identification of relationships and behaviors within a model, context, or scenario.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.85% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Economics (Mentioned in 2.14% Job Postings): Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and analyzes the choices that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make to allocate resources.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Insight 3.42%
Computer Science 3.85%
Economics 2.14%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Principal Algorithm Engineer's salary.
  • Research Design: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Inference: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Research Design
$169,488
7%
Commitment
$167,904
6%
Inference
$167,904
6%
Continuous Learning
$166,320
5%
Empowerment
$166,320
5%
Initiative
$164,736
4%
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Principal Algorithm Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Principal Algorithm Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Principal Algorithm Engineer

Salaries for a Principal Algorithm Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,474 in 2023 to around $147,353 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Algorithm Engineer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Principal Algorithm Engineer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$150,474
2024
$149,773
2025
$147,353
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $150,474
2024 $149,773
2025 $147,353
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Principal Algorithm Engineer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Principal Algorithm Engineer

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FAQ about Principal Algorithm Engineer

1. What is the highest salary for an Algorithm Engineer?

The highest salary for a Principal Algorithm Engineer is $179,000. While salaries can vary widely, the minimum is $140,100 and the midpoint is $159,600. This reflects a competitive range for experienced professionals in the field, highlighting the demand for skilled algorithm engineers.

2. What is the highest paid type of engineer?

The highest-paid type of engineer is the Principal Algorithm Engineer, with a salary range from $140,100 to $179,000. The median salary for this role is approximately $159,600, making it one of the top engineering careers in terms of compensation, surpassing many traditional engineering fields.

3. Which engineer is highest paid in USA?

The highest-paid engineering role in the USA is the Principal Algorithm Engineer, with a salary range from $140,100 to $179,000. The median salary for this position is approximately $159,600, making it one of the top-paying engineering jobs in the country.

4. What is the highest salary for an Algorithm Engineer?

The highest salary for a Principal Algorithm Engineer is $179,000. While salaries can vary widely, the minimum salary starts at $140,100, with a mid-range salary of $159,600. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, where experienced professionals can command significant compensation.

5. Which developer has highest salary in US?

The highest salary for a Principal Algorithm Engineer in the US ranges from $140,100 to $179,000, with a mid-salary of $159,600. This role typically offers a competitive compensation package, surpassing many other developer positions, making it one of the top-paying jobs in the software engineering field.

6. How much do senior algorithm developers make?

The estimated total pay for a Senior Algorithm Engineer ranges from $140,100 to $179,000 per year, with an average salary of $159,600. These figures reflect the salary data for Principal Algorithm Engineers, providing a clear picture of the compensation in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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