Principal Software Development Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

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

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Software Development Engineer in Wisconsin is $166,555 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $185,780
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $158,388 to $176,618
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $150,953
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View as table View as graph 25% $158,388 10% $150,953 90% $185,780 75% $176,618 $166,555 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 $176,618 $14,718 $3,397 $85
Average $166,555 $13,880 $3,203 $80
25th Percentile $158,388 $13,199 $3,046 $76
Check out Principal Software Development Engineer Job Openings in Wisconsin
Principal Development Engineer

Johnson Controls - Milwaukee , WI

Principal Software Development Engineer

Stryker Corporation - Madison, WI

Principal Software Development Engineer

Stryker Corporation - Vermont, WI

Principal Software Development Engineer

Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement - Granite Heights, WI

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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): $162,528
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $163,137
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $163,381
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $164,598
  • Expert (over 8 years): $169,071
Levels Salary
Entry Level Principal Software Development Engineer$162,528
Intermediate Level Principal Software Development Engineer$163,137
Senior Level Principal Software Development Engineer$163,381
Specialist Level Principal Software Development Engineer$164,598
Expert Level Principal Software Development Engineer$169,071
$162,528 0 yr
$163,137 < 2 yrs
$163,381 2-4 yrs
$164,598 5-8 yrs
$169,071 > 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:

  • Green Lake: $162,458
  • Greenville: $163,812
  • Hancock: $162,458

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
$158,388
Average $166,555/year
$176,618
$13,199
Average $13,880/month
$14,718
$3,046
Average $3,203/week
$3,397
$76
Average $80/hour
$85
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $176,618 $14,718 $3,397 $85
Average $166,555 $13,880 $3,203 $80
25th Percentile $158,388 $13,199 $3,046 $76

Salaries of jobs related to Principal Software Development Engineer

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Cost of Living In Wisconsin

Cost of Living in Wisconsin is
-1.6% Lower
than the National Average

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