Principal Software Developer Salary in the United States

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How much does a Principal Software Developer make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Principal Software Developer in the United States is $156,364. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $128,233 to a high of $188,202, with most professionals earning between $141,639 and $173,029.

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Salary range for a Principal Software Developer
$141,639 to $173,029
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Principal Software Developer Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Principal Software Developer between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Principal Software Developer in each city.

Principal Software Developer Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Principal Software Developer in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $195,283
Washington, DC $173,126
Miami, FL $150,235
Chicago, IL $161,587
Boston, MA $174,393
New York, NY $181,211
Dallas, TX $154,410
If you'd like know Principal Software Developer Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Principal Software Developer

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
141639
173029
156364

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
147311
188052
165684
What is the average salary for Principal Software Developer in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Principal Software Developer in the United States. The base salary for Principal Software Developer ranges from $141,639 to $173,029 with the average base salary of $156,364. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $147,311 to $188,052 with the average total cash compensation of $165,684.

View Average Salary for Principal Software Developer as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $156,364 $141,639 - $173,029
Bonus $9,320 $5,672 - $15,023
Total Pay $165,684 $147,311 - $188,052
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

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Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Principal Software Developer, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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Your target salary is ?
141639
173029

 

Comments about Principal Software Developer

What's the difference between Principal Developer and Principal Software Developer?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Principal Software Developer is $156,364, and the average salary of Principal Developer is $182,622. The average salary of Principal Developer is higher than Principal Software Developer. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Principal Software Developer, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Principal Software Developer. a Principal Software Developer Salary in Riverside, CA is $164,980 as of April 01, 2025; a Principal Software Developer Salary in Bossier City, LA is $143,449 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Principal Software Developer Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Principal Software Developer vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Principal Software Developer?
Salary ranges for a Principal Software Developer can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

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Last Update: April 01, 2025