As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Electronics Engineer in the United States is $167,271 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.
However, a Principal Electronics Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Electronics 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Electronics 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 |
|---|---|
| Electroni... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $118,898 |
| Electroni... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $141,572 |
| Principal... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $166,632 |
| Electroni... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $218,119 |
| Electroni... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $136,329 |
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 Electronics Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.17% |
| Programming | 2.93% |
| Computer Engineering | 1.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Solution Design
|
$195,707 |
17%
|
|
CAD
|
$194,034 |
16%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$187,344 |
12%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$185,671 |
11%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$183,998 |
10%
|
|
Electronic Circuits
|
$180,653 |
8%
|
For Principal Electronics Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Principal Electronics Engineer positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Electronics Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $200,725 | $97.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Principal Electronics Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Principal Electronics Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $176,062 and $186,159).
Principal Electronics Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 39.8% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 39.8% |
| Masters | 39.8% |
| Doctorate | 19.4% |
Understanding how a Principal Electronics 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Principal Electronics Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $172,914 in 2023 to around $163,788 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Electronics Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $172,914 |
| 2024 | $169,247 |
| 2025 | $163,788 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Principal Electronics Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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