As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Principal Software Engineer in Washington Navy Yard, DC is $146,342, equivalent to $70 per hour, $2,814 weekly, or $12,195 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 Washington Navy Yard, DC vary widely, spanning from $123,960 to $170,057. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($134,626) and 75th percentile ($158,755), while top earners (90th percentile) make $170,057 per year. This $24,129 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, Washington Navy Yard Principal Software Engineer often earn 0.0% 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 $123,960 Washington Navy Yard, DC April 01, 2026
25th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $134,626 Washington Navy Yard, DC April 01, 2026
50th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $146,342 Washington Navy Yard, DC April 01, 2026
75th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $158,755 Washington Navy Yard, DC April 01, 2026
90th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $170,057 Washington Navy Yard, DC April 01, 2026
25% $134,626 10% $123,960 90% $170,057 75% $158,755 $146,342 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Senior Software Engineer

Optomi - Washington, DC

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Principal Software Engineer

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Job Openings for Principal Software Engineer in Washington Navy Yard, DC

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

 
 
 
134626
158755
146342

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
146948
180267
162797
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 Washington Navy Yard, DC. The base salary for Principal Software Engineer ranges from $134,626 to $158,755 with the average base salary of $146,342. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $146,948 to $180,267 with the average total cash compensation of $162,797.

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134626
158755

 

About Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia    The Washington Navy Yard (WNY) is the former shipyard and ordnance plant of the United States Navy in Southeast Washington, D.C. It is the oldest shor....More

Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia  area prices were up 1.3% from a year ago

Principal Software Engineer Salary in popular cities: Washington

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

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