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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Test Engineer in Virginia is $153,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.
However, a Principal Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Principal Test Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $162,494 | $13,541 | $3,125 | $78 |
| Average | $153,501 | $12,792 | $2,952 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,350 | $11,862 | $2,737 | $68 |
Electra - Manassas, VA
Electra - Manassas, VA
J5 Consulting - McLean, VA
DANE LLC - Chantilly, VA
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 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 | $116,085 |
| Test Engi... Level Principal Test Engineer | $140,106 |
| Principal... Level Principal Test Engineer | $152,840 |
| Test Engi... Level Principal Test Engineer | $109,882 |
| Test Engi... Level Principal Test Engineer | $131,083 |
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:
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:
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 | $184,201 | $89.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $184,201 | $89.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $184,201 | $89.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $184,201 | $89.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $184,201 | $89.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $162,494 | $13,541 | $3,125 | $78 |
| Average | $153,501 | $12,792 | $2,952 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,350 | $11,862 | $2,737 | $68 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Principal Test Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Electro-Mechanical Corporation
Bristol, VA
Electro-Mechanical Corporation | Bristol, VA
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES. . Data Platform & Architecture. Comprehend and follow shop procedures, standard practice instructions, prints, diagrams and othe... more
4 Days Ago
DANE LLC
Arlington, VA
DANE LLC | Arlington, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). 401(k) matching. Dental insurance. Employee discounts. Health insurance. Paid time off. Vision insuranc... more
6 Days Ago
Altron Inc
Manassas, VA
Altron Inc | Manassas, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. We are seeking a Test Engineer to join our team in Manassas, VA. In this role, you will be responsible for s... more
6 Days Ago
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Virginia Beach, VA
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Virginia Beach, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary Range: $85,000.00-104,000.00 per year. Role and Responsibilities. Full Time position supporting the TESS Task Orde... more
6 Days Ago
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Wallops Island, VA
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Wallops Island, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary Range: $88,000.00-100,000.00 per year. Role and Responsibilities. Full Time position supporting the TESS Task Orde... more
5 Days Ago
Raft Company Website
McLean, VA
Raft Company Website | McLean, VA
Job Description. Job Description. This is a U.S. based position. All of the programs we support require. U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment. Al... more
2 Days Ago
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