As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Test Engineer in the United States is $152,434 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.
However, a Principal Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Test 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Test 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Test Engi... Level Principal Test Engineer | $115,278 |
| Test Engi... Level Principal Test Engineer | $139,132 |
| Principal... Level Principal Test Engineer | $151,778 |
| Test Engi... Level Principal Test Engineer | $109,118 |
| Test Engi... Level Principal Test Engineer | $130,172 |
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 Test Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.76% |
| Computer Science | 2.67% |
| Software Development | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Insight
|
$167,677 |
10%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$161,580 |
6%
|
|
Data Acquisition
|
$161,580 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$160,056 |
5%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$160,056 |
5%
|
|
Azure
|
$160,056 |
5%
|
For Principal Test Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Principal Test Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $182,921 | $88.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $182,921 | $88.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $182,921 | $88.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $182,921 | $88.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $182,921 | $88.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Principal Test Engineers enter the field with a Associate'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 Test Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $145,755 and $151,669).
Principal Test Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.3% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 7.6% |
| Bachelors | 52.3% |
| Masters | 32.6% |
| Doctorate | 5.3% |
Understanding how a Principal Test 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Principal Test Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,701 in 2023 to around $143,302 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Test Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $150,701 |
| 2024 | $146,844 |
| 2025 | $143,302 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Principal Test Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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