As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Programmer in the United States is $171,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, a Principal Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Programmer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Programmer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Principal Programmer | $128,445 |
| Software ... Level Principal Programmer | $148,614 |
| Principal... Level Principal Programmer | $170,823 |
| Software ... Level Principal Programmer | $169,176 |
| Software ... Level Principal Programmer | $213,711 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.92% |
| Open Source | 3.61% |
| AWS | 2.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Relationship Management
|
$207,624 |
21%
|
|
Accountability
|
$181,885 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$181,885 |
6%
|
|
Networking
|
$178,454 |
4%
|
|
Scrum
|
$178,454 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$176,738 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Principal Programmers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Principal Programmer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $168,870 and $177,702).
Principal Programmer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 43.2% |
| Masters | 43.9% |
| Doctorate | 7.8% |
Understanding how a Principal Programmer'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 February 01, 2026Salaries for a Principal Programmer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $164,632 in 2023 to around $162,395 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Programmer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $164,632 |
| 2024 | $163,628 |
| 2025 | $162,395 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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