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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Sre in Illinois is $182,791 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.
However, a Principal Sre's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Principal Sre Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $199,811 | $16,651 | $3,843 | $96 |
| Average | $182,791 | $15,233 | $3,515 | $88 |
| 25th Percentile | $167,143 | $13,929 | $3,214 | $80 |
Professional Case Management - SCHILLER PARK, IL
Constellation Energy - SAXONBURG, PA
Constellation Energy - GIBSONIA, PA
Constellation Energy - RACINE, PA
A Principal Sre'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Sre'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cost Engi... Level Principal Sre | $137,506 |
| Cost Engi... Level Principal Sre | $162,031 |
| Project C... Level Principal Sre | $121,160 |
| Project C... Level Principal Sre | $158,608 |
| Principal... Level Principal Sre | $186,051 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Principal Sres. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Principal Sre roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Principal Sre positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Sre as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $237,628 | $114.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $228,489 | $110.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $219,349 | $105.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $210,210 | $101.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $201,070 | $97.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Principal Sre'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $199,811 | $16,651 | $3,843 | $96 |
| Average | $182,791 | $15,233 | $3,515 | $88 |
| 25th Percentile | $167,143 | $13,929 | $3,214 | $80 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Principal Sre job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Constellation Energy
CONWAY, PA
Constellation Energy | CONWAY, PA
At Constellation, we power millions of homes and businesses across the U.S., relying on our innovative solutions in power, natural gas, renewable energy, a... more
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ZELIENOPLE, PA
Constellation Energy | ZELIENOPLE, PA
At Constellation, we power millions of homes and businesses across the U.S., relying on our innovative solutions in power, natural gas, renewable energy, a... more
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ManTech International
FEDERAL HEIGHTS, CO
ManTech International | FEDERAL HEIGHTS, CO
At ManTech, we are committed to safeguarding national security through cutting-edge technology and solutions. We are seeking a Principal Cyber Security Eng... more
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Vantor
WESTMINSTER, CO
Vantor | WESTMINSTER, CO
Vantor is hiring a Principal Satellite Systems Engineer to lead design, integration, and delivery of cloud-connected satellite systems and ground software.... more
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Amazon
TIMES SQUARE, WA
Amazon | TIMES SQUARE, WA
Amazon is seeking a Principal Product Manager, Technical to lead high-impact retail initiatives at global scale. In this role, you’ll own the vision, roadm... more
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CHANTILLY, VA
ManTech International | CHANTILLY, VA
At ManTech, we are committed to safeguarding national security through cutting-edge technology and solutions. We are seeking a Principal Cyber Security Eng... more
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