As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Engineer I in the United States is $165,715 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.
However, a Principal Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Engineer I'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 Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|
| Engineer ... Level Principal Engineer I | $113,021 |
| Engineer ... Level Principal Engineer I | $143,039 |
| Principal... Level Principal Engineer I | $165,166 |
| Engineer ... Level Principal Engineer I | $190,899 |
| Engineeri... Level Principal Engineer I | $87,724 |
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 Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.06% |
| AWS | 2.1% |
| AutoCAD | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Decision Making
|
$175,658 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$174,001 |
5%
|
|
Team Development
|
$172,344 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$172,344 |
4%
|
|
Software Development
|
$172,344 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$172,344 |
4%
|
For Principal Engineer I 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 Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Principal Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $198,858 | $96.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $198,858 | $96.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $198,858 | $96.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $198,858 | $96.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $198,858 | $96.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Principal Engineer Is 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 Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $158,563 and $166,852).
Principal Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 2.8% |
| Associates | 2.3% |
| Bachelors | 33.6% |
| Masters | 43.0% |
| Doctorate | 17.9% |
Understanding how a Principal Engineer I'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Principal Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $162,854 in 2023 to around $157,348 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $162,854 |
| 2024 | $159,746 |
| 2025 | $157,348 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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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