As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Electronics Engineer in the United States is $167,281 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 | $118,899 |
| Electroni... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $141,573 |
| Principal... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $166,642 |
| Electroni... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $218,023 |
| Electroni... Level Principal Electronics Engineer | $136,358 |
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
|
$195,719 |
17%
|
|
CAD
|
$194,046 |
16%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$187,355 |
12%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$185,682 |
11%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$184,009 |
10%
|
|
Electronic Circuits
|
$180,663 |
8%
|
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 May 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 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Principal Electronics Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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