As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Principal Software Engineer in Rochester, MN is $132,503, equivalent to $64 per hour, $2,548 weekly, or $11,042 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Principal Software Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Principal Software Engineer in Rochester, MN vary widely, spanning from $112,238 to $153,976. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($121,896) and 75th percentile ($143,743), while top earners (90th percentile) make $153,976 per year. This $21,847 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, Rochester Principal Software Engineer often earn 2.0% higher than national averages. However, Rochester currently ranks 335 statewide for Principal Software Engineer job salary. 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 $112,238 Rochester, MN April 01, 2026
25th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $121,896 Rochester, MN April 01, 2026
50th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $132,503 Rochester, MN April 01, 2026
75th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $143,743 Rochester, MN April 01, 2026
90th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $153,976 Rochester, MN April 01, 2026
25% $121,896 10% $112,238 90% $153,976 75% $143,743 $132,503 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Principal Software Engineer jobs in Rochester, Minnesota

Sr. Software Engineer

Trane Technologies - White Bear Lake, MN

Software Engineer

Pyramid Consulting, Inc - St Paul, MN

Software Verification Engineer

Pyramid Consulting, Inc - St Paul, MN

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Principal Software Engineer

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Job Openings for Principal Software Engineer in Rochester, MN

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

 
 
 
121896
143743
132503

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
133052
163221
147402
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 Rochester, MN. The base salary for Principal Software Engineer ranges from $121,896 to $143,743 with the average base salary of $132,503. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $133,052 to $163,221 with the average total cash compensation of $147,402.

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121896
143743

 

About Rochester, Minnesota    Rochester is a city founded in 1854 in the U.S. State of Minnesota and is the county seat of Olmsted County located on the Zumbro River's south fork i....More

Rochester, Minnesota  area prices were up 1.3% from a year ago

Principal Software Engineer Salary in popular cities: MinneapolisSaint PaulDuluth

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

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