As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Controls Engineer in the United States is $161,541 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, a Principal Controls Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Controls 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Controls Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Principal Controls Engineer 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 Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Principal Controls Engineer positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Controls Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $193,849 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $177,695 | $85.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Principal Controls Engineers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Controls Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $125,871 and $136,281).
Principal Controls Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 1.7% |
| Associates | 27.1% |
| Bachelors | 32.2% |
| Masters | 27.1% |
| Doctorate | 39.0% |
Understanding how a Principal Controls 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Principal Controls Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $107,229 in 2023 to around $102,411 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Controls Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $107,229 |
| 2024 | $104,150 |
| 2025 | $102,411 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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