Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salary in District of Columbia

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

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer in District of Columbia is $176,977 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): $193,135
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $169,052 to $185,435
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $161,836
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $169,052 10% $161,836 90% $193,135 75% $185,435 $176,977 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $185,435 $15,453 $3,566 $89
Average $176,977 $14,748 $3,403 $85
25th Percentile $169,052 $14,088 $3,251 $81
Check out Principal Embedded Software Engineer Job Openings in District of Columbia
Senior Principal Software Engineer

Gopuff - Washington, DC

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Gopuff - Washington, DC

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Tech Edge Networks - Washington, DC

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

TAP Engineering - Washington, DC

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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): $155,411
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $176,355
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $212,779
  • Expert (over 8 years): $134,763
Levels Salary
Embedded ... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer$127,393
Embedded ... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer$155,411
Principal... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer$176,355
Embedded ... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer$212,779
Embedded ... Level Principal Embedded Software Engineer$134,763
$127,393 0 yr
$155,411 < 2 yrs
$176,355 2-4 yrs
$212,779 5-8 yrs
$134,763 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

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: $176,016
  • Washington: $176,018
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $176,010

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on May 01, 2026
$169,052
Average $176,977/year
$185,435
$14,088
Average $14,748/month
$15,453
$3,251
Average $3,403/week
$3,566
$81
Average $85/hour
$89
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $185,435 $15,453 $3,566 $89
Average $176,977 $14,748 $3,403 $85
25th Percentile $169,052 $14,088 $3,251 $81

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

Cost of Living in District of Columbia is
10.7% Higher
than the National Average

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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