As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Database Engineer in the United States is $169,158 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.
However, a Principal Database Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Database 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Database 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Principal Database Engineer | $163,081 |
| Intermediate Level Principal Database Engineer | $163,977 |
| Senior Level Principal Database Engineer | $164,335 |
| Specialist Level Principal Database Engineer | $166,126 |
| Expert Level Principal Database Engineer | $173,376 |
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 Database Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| People Management | 3.03% |
| AWS | 3.77% |
| Open Source | 3.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
People Management
|
$191,149 |
13%
|
|
Open Source
|
$180,999 |
7%
|
|
Experimenting
|
$177,616 |
5%
|
|
Mentoring Others
|
$177,616 |
5%
|
|
Accountability
|
$175,924 |
4%
|
|
Data Engineering
|
$175,924 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Principal Database 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, 2026Salaries for a Principal Database Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $161,398 in 2023 to around $161,047 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Database Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $161,398 |
| 2024 | $163,666 |
| 2025 | $161,047 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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