As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Software Test Engineer in the United States is $71,779 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Principal Software Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Software Test 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Software Test 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Principal Software Test Engineer | $71,779 |
| Intermediate Level Principal Software Test Engineer | $72,316 |
| Senior Level Principal Software Test Engineer | $73,464 |
| Specialist Level Principal Software Test Engineer | $73,694 |
| Expert Level Principal Software Test Engineer | $73,847 |
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 Software Test Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.88% |
| Java | 3.23% |
| Automated Testing | 2.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
AWS
|
$76,804 |
7%
|
|
Python
|
$75,368 |
5%
|
|
Jenkins
|
$74,650 |
4%
|
|
Linux
|
$74,650 |
4%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$73,933 |
3%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$73,933 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Principal Software Test Engineers enter the field with a Associate'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 Software Test Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $72,482 and $75,542).
Principal Software Test Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 5.9% |
| Associates | 7.3% |
| Bachelors | 64.9% |
| Masters | 20.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Principal Software Test 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Principal Software Test Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $68,558 in 2023 to around $68,355 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Software Test Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $68,558 |
| 2024 | $68,646 |
| 2025 | $68,355 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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