As of May 18, 2021, the average annual salary for Principal Software Engineer in District of Columbia is $147,116, equivalent to $71 per hour, $2,829 weekly, or $12,260 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Principal Software Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Principal Software Engineer in District of Columbia vary widely, spanning from $124,609 to $170,753. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($135,335) and 75th percentile ($159,489), while top earners (90th percentile) make $170,753 per year. This $24,154 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Principal Software Engineer often earn 11.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 78 companies. However, District of Columbia currently ranks 1 nationwide for Principal Software Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Principal Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $124,609 DC May 18, 2021
25th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $135,335 DC May 18, 2021
50th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $147,116 DC May 18, 2021
75th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $159,489 DC May 18, 2021
90th Percentile Principal Software Engineer Salary $170,753 DC May 18, 2021
25% $135,335 10% $124,609 90% $170,753 75% $159,489 $147,116 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Principal Software Engineer jobs in District of Columbia

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Microsoft - Washington, DC

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Motion Recruitment - Washington, DC

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Viant Technology - Washington, DC

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Principal Software Engineer

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Naval Anacost Annex, DC Avg. Salary $149,304 Date Updated May 18, 2021
Location Parcel Return Service, DC Avg. Salary $149,304 Date Updated May 18, 2021
Location Washington, DC Avg. Salary $149,304 Date Updated May 18, 2021
Location Washington Navy Yard, DC Avg. Salary $149,304 Date Updated May 18, 2021
Job Openings for Principal Software Engineer in District of Columbia

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Principal Software Engineer

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

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