As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Java Developer in the United States is $142,541 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Principal Java Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Java Developer'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Java Developer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Principal Java Developer | $137,898 |
| Intermediate Level Principal Java Developer | $138,672 |
| Senior Level Principal Java Developer | $139,704 |
| Specialist Level Principal Java Developer | $140,993 |
| Expert Level Principal Java Developer | $142,283 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Java Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.27% |
| Office Management | 3.9% |
| General Ledger | 1.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Authenticity
|
$168,198 |
18%
|
|
Expense Management
|
$165,348 |
16%
|
|
Motivating
|
$163,922 |
15%
|
|
Sales Process
|
$163,922 |
15%
|
|
PowerPoint
|
$161,071 |
13%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$159,646 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Principal Java Developers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Java Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $146,314 and $160,795).
Principal Java Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.9% |
| High School | 11.7% |
| Associates | 13.3% |
| Bachelors | 34.2% |
| Masters | 35.4% |
| Doctorate | 2.5% |
Understanding how a Principal Java Developer'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Principal Java Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $154,974 in 2023 to around $154,579 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Java Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $154,974 |
| 2024 | $156,279 |
| 2025 | $154,579 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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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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