Principal Software Development Engineer Salary in Washington

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

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Software Development Engineer in Washington is $183,588 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $204,780
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $174,586 to $194,681
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $166,391
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View as table View as graph 25% $174,586 10% $166,391 90% $204,780 75% $194,681 $183,588 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 $194,681 $16,223 $3,744 $94
Average $183,588 $15,299 $3,531 $88
25th Percentile $174,586 $14,549 $3,357 $84
Check out Principal Software Development Engineer Job Openings in Washington
Principal Software Engineer, Cloud with Security Clearance

Anduril Industries - Bellevue, WA

Principal Software Development Engineer - Observability

PowerToFly - Seattle, WA

Principal Software Development Engineer (Full Stack) - Marketing Technology

Traveltechessentialist - Olympia, WA

Principal Software Development Engineer (Full Stack) - Marketing Technology

Expedia, Inc. - Seattle, WA

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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): $179,149
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $179,821
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $180,089
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $181,431
  • Expert (over 8 years): $186,362
Levels Salary
Entry Level Principal Software Development Engineer$179,149
Intermediate Level Principal Software Development Engineer$179,821
Senior Level Principal Software Development Engineer$180,089
Specialist Level Principal Software Development Engineer$181,431
Expert Level Principal Software Development Engineer$186,362
$179,149 0 yr
$179,821 < 2 yrs
$180,089 2-4 yrs
$181,431 5-8 yrs
$186,362 > 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:

  • Auburn: $183,131
  • Federal Way: $183,131
  • Bellevue: $187,161

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
$174,586
Average $183,588/year
$194,681
$14,549
Average $15,299/month
$16,223
$3,357
Average $3,531/week
$3,744
$84
Average $88/hour
$94
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $194,681 $16,223 $3,744 $94
Average $183,588 $15,299 $3,531 $88
25th Percentile $174,586 $14,549 $3,357 $84

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Cost of Living In Washington

Cost of Living in Washington is
8.4% Higher
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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