What are the main factors that influence a Principal Embedded Software Engineer's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Principal Embedded Software Engineer?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Principal Embedded Software Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.

How does experience change A Principal Embedded Software Engineer's salary?

A Principal Embedded Software Engineer's salary grows with experience: an Embedded Software Engineer III (4-7 years)earns $127,393, an Embedded Software Engineer IV (7+ years)earns $155,414, an Principal Embedded Software Engineer (7-10 years)earns $176,340, an Embedded Software Engineer VI (10-12 years)earns $212,772, an Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor (12+ years)earns $134,715,

What are the highest paying states for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer?

Principal Embedded Software Engineer salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Principal Embedded Software Engineer roles are District of Columbia $176,967, California $176,296, Massachusetts $173,946. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Principal Embedded Software Engineer roles make?

Salaries for Principal Embedded Software Engineer level roles vary by specialization: Embedded Software Engineer VI: $193,721; Embedded Software Engineer V: $160,551; Embedded Software Engineer Lead: $150,045; Senior Embedded Software Engineer: $145,723; Embedded Software Engineer IV: $141,499.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Principal Embedded Software Engineer make in District of Columbia?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer in District of Columbia is $176,967 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.

However, a Principal Embedded Software Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $193,250
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $169,036 to $185,490
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $161,816

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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$185,490	$15,458	$3,567	$89
Average	$176,967	$14,747	$3,403	$85
25th Percentile	$169,036	$14,086	$3,251	$81

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Key Factors That Influence Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salaries

A Principal Embedded Software Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Embedded Software Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $127,393
Early Career (1-2 years): $155,414
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $176,340
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $212,772
Expert (over 8 years): $134,715

Levels	Salary
Embedded ... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer	$127,393
Embedded ... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer	$155,414
Principal... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer	$176,340
Embedded ... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer	$212,772
Embedded ... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer	$134,715

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What Am I Worth?

How Do Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Principal Embedded Software Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $176,967.
California: $176,296.
Massachusetts: $173,946.

District of Columbia $176,967 California $176,296 Massachusetts $173,946 Washington $173,307 New Jersey $173,243 Alaska $173,019 Connecticut $170,814 New York $169,918

Hawaii $167,057 Rhode Island $165,715 Maryland $164,804 Minnesota $163,557 Colorado $163,078 Illinois $162,918 Oregon $162,310 Delaware $161,863

New Hampshire $161,582 Virginia $160,952 Pennsylvania $159,114 Nevada $158,187 North Dakota $157,883 Michigan $157,404 Wisconsin $157,228 Vermont $156,876

Texas $155,901 Maine $155,837 Arizona $155,741 Ohio $155,629 Georgia $154,159 Indiana $153,424 Wyoming $153,280 Utah $153,056

Iowa $152,960 Kansas $152,193 Louisiana $151,969 North Carolina $151,889 Missouri $151,857 Florida $151,234 Montana $150,898 Nebraska $150,579

Kentucky $150,403 South Carolina $149,764 Tennessee $149,364 Idaho $149,204 New Mexico $148,037 Oklahoma $147,782 Alabama $146,839 South Dakota $145,256

Arkansas $144,393 West Virginia $143,930 Mississippi $142,539

Top Paying Cities for Principal Embedded Software Engineers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Parcel Return Service: $176,007
Washington: $176,008
Naval Anacost Annex: $176,000

Parcel Return Service, DC $176,007 Washington, DC $176,008 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $176,000 Washington Navy Yard, DC $176,007

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Principal Embedded Software Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 5% above the average. In contrast, Principal Embedded Software Engineer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Embedded Software Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense	$185,815	$89.0	5%
Business Services	$185,815	$89.0	5%
Construction	$185,815	$89.0	5%
Energy & Utilities	$185,815	$89.0	5%
Healthcare	$185,815	$89.0	5%

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Principal Embedded Software Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

$169,036

Average $176,967/year

$185,490

$14,086

Average $14,747/month

$15,458

$3,251

Average $3,403/week

$3,567

$81

Average $85/hour

$89

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$185,490	$15,458	$3,567	$89
Average	$176,967	$14,747	$3,403	$85
25th Percentile	$169,036	$14,086	$3,251	$81

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