As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Principal Software Engineer in Salem, OR is $132,939, equivalent to $64 per hour, $2,557 weekly, or $11,078 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 Salem, OR vary widely, spanning from $112,607 to $154,483. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($122,297) and 75th percentile ($144,216), while top earners (90th percentile) make $154,483 per year. This $21,919 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, Salem Principal Software Engineer often earn 1.0% higher than national averages. However, Salem currently ranks 329 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 $112,607 Salem, OR April 01, 2026
25th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $122,297 Salem, OR April 01, 2026
50th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $132,939 Salem, OR April 01, 2026
75th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $144,216 Salem, OR April 01, 2026
90th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $154,483 Salem, OR April 01, 2026
25% $122,297 10% $112,607 90% $154,483 75% $144,216 $132,939 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Principal Software Engineer jobs in Salem, Oregon

Division Manager/Principal Geotechnical Engineer

AAR Testing and Inspection, Inc. - Portland, OR

Software Engineer -- Business Process Automation

Ascentec Engineering, LLC - Tualatin, OR

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Principal Software Engineer

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Job Openings for Principal Software Engineer in Salem, OR

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

 
 
 
122297
144216
132939

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
133490
163758
147887
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 Salem, OR. The base salary for Principal Software Engineer ranges from $122,297 to $144,216 with the average base salary of $132,939. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $133,490 to $163,758 with the average total cash compensation of $147,887.

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122297
144216

 

About Salem, Oregon    Salem /ˈseɪləm/ is the capital of the U.S. state of Oregon, and the county seat of Marion County. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley....More

Salem, Oregon  area prices were up 3.9% from a year ago

Principal Software Engineer Salary in popular cities: PortlandEugeneGresham

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

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