As of June 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Principal Software Engineer in Wisconsin is $130,014, equivalent to $63 per hour, $2,500 weekly, or $10,835 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 Wisconsin vary widely, spanning from $110,156 to $151,146. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($119,620) and 75th percentile ($141,076), while top earners (90th percentile) make $151,146 per year. This $21,456 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, Wisconsin Principal Software Engineer often earn 1.6% lower than national averages due to demand from Fortune 78 companies. However, Wisconsin currently ranks 23 nationwide 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 $110,156 WI June 01, 2026
25th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $119,620 WI June 01, 2026
50th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $130,014 WI June 01, 2026
75th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $141,076 WI June 01, 2026
90th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $151,146 WI June 01, 2026
25% $119,620 10% $110,156 90% $151,146 75% $141,076 $130,014 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Principal Software Engineer jobs in Wisconsin

Associate Software Product Test Engineer

Trane Technologies - La Crosse, WI

Principal Engineer, Power Electronics

Faith Technologies - Brillion, WI

Principal Engineer, Power Electronics

Faith Technologies - Sherwood, WI

Principal Engineer, Power Electronics

Faith Technologies - New Holstein, WI

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Principal Software Engineer

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Abbotsford, WI Avg. Salary $133,502 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Abrams, WI Avg. Salary $133,581 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Adams, WI Avg. Salary $133,870 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Adell, WI Avg. Salary $136,235 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Afton, WI Avg. Salary $135,413 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Albany, WI Avg. Salary $136,336 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Algoma, WI Avg. Salary $133,541 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Allenton, WI Avg. Salary $136,732 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Alma, WI Avg. Salary $135,550 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Location Alma Center, WI Avg. Salary $133,763 Date Updated June 01, 2026
Job Openings for Principal Software Engineer in Wisconsin

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

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