Principal Software Development Engineer Salary in Alabama

How much does a Principal Software Development Engineer make in Alabama?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Software Development Engineer in Alabama is $155,550 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.

However, a Principal Software Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $173,505
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $147,923 to $164,948
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $140,979
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $147,923 10% $140,979 90% $173,505 75% $164,948 $155,550 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Principal Software Development Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $164,948 $13,746 $3,172 $79
Average $155,550 $12,962 $2,991 $75
25th Percentile $147,923 $12,327 $2,845 $71
Check out Principal Software Development Engineer Job Openings in Alabama
Principal / Senior Software Engineer – Mission Systems with Security Clearance

Artech Information Systems - Huntsville, AL

Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer (AHT) with Security Clearance

Northrop Grumman - Huntsville, AL

Principal Software Engineer with Security Clearance

ASRC Federal - Huntsville, AL

Sr. Principal Software Engineer - GWS with Security Clearance

Northrop Grumman - Huntsville, AL

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Key Factors That Influence Principal Software Development Engineer Salaries

A Principal Software Development 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.

How Experience Level Affects Principal Software Development Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Software Development 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $151,789
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $152,357
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $152,585
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $153,722
  • Expert (over 8 years): $157,900
Levels Salary
Entry Level Principal Software Development Engineer$151,789
Intermediate Level Principal Software Development Engineer$152,357
Senior Level Principal Software Development Engineer$152,585
Specialist Level Principal Software Development Engineer$153,722
Expert Level Principal Software Development Engineer$157,900
$151,789 0 yr
$152,357 < 2 yrs
$152,585 2-4 yrs
$153,722 5-8 yrs
$157,900 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Principal Software Development Engineers

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:

  • West Greene: $152,434
  • Jasper: $156,261
  • Addison: $154,534

Principal Software Development Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Principal Software Development 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$147,923
Average $155,550/year
$164,948
$12,327
Average $12,962/month
$13,746
$2,845
Average $2,991/week
$3,172
$71
Average $75/hour
$79
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $164,948 $13,746 $3,172 $79
Average $155,550 $12,962 $2,991 $75
25th Percentile $147,923 $12,327 $2,845 $71

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Cost of Living In Alabama

Cost of Living in Alabama is
-8.1% Lower
than the National Average

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