Principal Software Development Engineer Salary in Montana

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

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Software Development Engineer in Montana is $159,850 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $178,302
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $152,012 to $169,508
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $144,876
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View as table View as graph 25% $152,012 10% $144,876 90% $178,302 75% $169,508 $159,850 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 $169,508 $14,126 $3,260 $81
Average $159,850 $13,321 $3,074 $77
25th Percentile $152,012 $12,668 $2,923 $73
Check out Principal Software Development Engineer Job Openings in Montana
Software Development Manager

TherapyNotes.com - HORSHAM, PA

Controls Software Engineer

Lincoln Electric - SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI

Controls Engineer- Software

Lincoln Electric - PLYMOUTH, MI

Senior Development Engineer

Constellation Energy - COLLEGE PARK, MD

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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): $155,985
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $156,570
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $156,803
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $157,972
  • Expert (over 8 years): $162,265
Levels Salary
Entry Level Principal Software Development Engineer$155,985
Intermediate Level Principal Software Development Engineer$156,570
Senior Level Principal Software Development Engineer$156,803
Specialist Level Principal Software Development Engineer$157,972
Expert Level Principal Software Development Engineer$162,265
$155,985 0 yr
$156,570 < 2 yrs
$156,803 2-4 yrs
$157,972 5-8 yrs
$162,265 > 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:

  • Absarokee: $161,357
  • Acton: $162,712
  • Ashland: $161,357

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
$152,012
Average $159,850/year
$169,508
$12,668
Average $13,321/month
$14,126
$2,923
Average $3,074/week
$3,260
$73
Average $77/hour
$81
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $169,508 $14,126 $3,260 $81
Average $159,850 $13,321 $3,074 $77
25th Percentile $152,012 $12,668 $2,923 $73

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Cost of Living In Montana

Cost of Living in Montana is
-5.6% Lower
than the National Average

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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