As of June 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Principal Software Engineer in Acton, CA is $142,183, equivalent to $68 per hour, $2,734 weekly, or $11,849 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Principal Software Engineer in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Principal Software Engineer in Acton, CA vary widely, spanning from $120,466 to $165,293. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($130,816) and 75th percentile ($154,280), while top earners (90th percentile) make $165,293 per year. This $23,464 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Acton Principal Software Engineer often earn 2.5% higher than national averages. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Principal Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $120,466 Acton, CA June 01, 2026
25th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $130,816 Acton, CA June 01, 2026
50th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $142,183 Acton, CA June 01, 2026
75th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $154,280 Acton, CA June 01, 2026
90th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $165,293 Acton, CA June 01, 2026
25% $130,816 10% $120,466 90% $165,293 75% $154,280 $142,183 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Principal Software Engineer jobs in Acton, California

Software Engineer – (Go / Rust)

Innova Solutions - Pacheco, CA

Specialist Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies - Willowbrook, CA

Specialist Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies - Laguna Hills, CA

Specialist Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies - Foothill Ranch, CA

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Principal Software Engineer

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Job Openings for Principal Software Engineer in Acton, CA

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Principal Software Engineer

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
130816
154280
142183

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
143503
176040
158981
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Principal Software Engineer in Acton, CA. The base salary for Principal Software Engineer ranges from $130,816 to $154,280 with the average base salary of $142,183. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $143,503 to $176,040 with the average total cash compensation of $158,981.

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130816
154280

 

About Acton, California    Acton is an unincorporated census-designated place in Los Angeles County, California, near the Antelope Valley. According to the 2010 census, Acton h....More

Acton, California  area prices were up 3.2% from a year ago

Principal Software Engineer Salary in popular cities: Los AngelesSan DiegoSan Jose

Skills associated with Principal Software Engineer: Design, Planning, Software Development, BUILD ...More

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