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Salary and Benefits

Principal Software Engineer
$88K-$107K / yr. (est.)
$88K
$97,780 / year
$108K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Principal Software Engineer

What does a Principal Software Engineer do?

As Principal Software Engineers, our primary tasks include designing, developing, and overseeing complex software systems. We lead the technical direction of projects, ensuring that architectural and coding standards are upheld. We collaborate with other engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to define requirements and deliver high-quality software solutions. Our role also involves mentoring junior engineers and conducting code reviews to ensure best practices. Additionally, we troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during the development lifecycle.

Core tasks:

  • Architecting and designing software solutions
  • Leading technical discussions and decisions
  • Mentoring and guiding junior developers
  • Conducting code reviews and ensuring code quality
  • Troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Principal Software Engineer?
On average, people work 7+ years in other positions prior to becoming a Principal Software Engineer.
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Principal Software EngineerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
Honestly, if you're not spending at least 7 years leveling up, are you even dedicated? 🤔
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Principal Software EngineerSeattle, WA - A year ago
Oh please, don't act surprised. Mastery takes time, folks! 👨
How Long Do Principal Software Engineer Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Principal Software Engineers works in this position for 5+ years across multiple employers.
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Junior Software EngineerChicago, IL - A year ago
The tenure of Principal Software Engineers is evidence of the endless learning opportunities this field provides. Excited to embark on this journey!
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Software ArchitectLos Angeles, CA - A year ago
🙌 Principal Software Engineers, representing the epitome of technical excellence and leadership in our industry! Keep raising the bar!
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Principal Software Engineer Employees?
Frequent job changes in Principal Software Engineer, indicating a willingness to change companies and roles more frequently.
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Systems AdministratorSeattle, WA - A year ago
I have encountered these fickle Principal Software Engineers in my line of work. 🤦 Their short stints lead to legacy systems and chaos for us System Administrators to deal with!
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Product ManagerAustin, TX - A year ago
Wow, looks like Principal Software Engineers are always ready to ditch a project. How can we build anything worthwhile with their constant job-hopping? 😤

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Principal Software Engineer's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
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Front End Developer6 months ago
Front End Developer
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Principal Software Engineer typically studied at.
Boston University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Principal Software Engineer Employees?
Gender ratio in Principal Software Engineer position: 0.887768798012394 Male and 0.112231201987606 Female. Age ratio in Principal Software Engineer position: 16-20: 1%, 21-30: 32%, 31-40: 47%, 41-50: 16%, 51-60: 4%, 60+: 0%. Principal Software Engineer position is predominantly male (88.8%) with the largest age group being 31-40 years old, followed by 21-30 years old.
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Principal Software EngineerPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
It's frustrating to see that the age group with the highest percentage is 31-40. What about diversity in younger age groups? 😞
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Principal Software EngineerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
I'm just here to say that age doesn't define skill. Let's focus on hiring based on talent and not discriminate based on age! 💪

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Principal Software Engineer?
Top employers of Principal Software Engineer position: Dell EMC, Fidelity Investments, Microsoft Corporation. People who work in Principal Software Engineer position most typically go on to work for the Dell EMC.
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Principal Software EngineerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
Some of the smartest Principal Software Engineers that I know work for Microsoft. It's definitely a reputable company in this field!
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Principal Software EngineerNew York City, NY - A year ago
I've worked at Fidelity Investments as a Principal Software Engineer, and the culture and opportunities for growth are unmatched!
Dell EMC
Fidelity Investments
Microsoft Corporation
What Industries Does Principal Software Engineer Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Principal Software Engineer: Information Technology, Manufacturing, Finance & Insurance, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Retail. Principal Software Engineer employees most likely come from a Information Technology industry background.
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Principal Software EngineerHouston, TX - A year ago
Y'all!!! This job is the epitome of success in the software industry. The pay and respect you receive are unmatched! 💰
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Principal Software EngineerPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
Honestly, this is all hype. The reality is endless work hours, demanding stakeholders, and little appreciation. 🤬

Find your job as Principal Software Engineer

Discussion about Principal Software Engineer

Want to know more about Principal Software Engineer position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Principal Software Engineer position with others in our community.
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Are the working conditions good if you work as a Principal Software Engineer?
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A year ago
Yes , I'd relish the opportunity to work as a principal software engineer
How balanced is the gender diversity among people working as a Principal Software Engineer?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
10% are women in this profession only.
What is the typical age to work as a Principal Software Engineer?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
The typical age is 34.
Do I need a lot of experience to be a Principal Software Engineer?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
You need 7 years of experience to work as a Principal Software Engineer.
Which industries have a lot of people working in Principal Software Engineer roles?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Manufacturing employs the most.
Is a degree needed to work as a Principal Software Engineer?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
A Bachelor of Science degree could not hurt if you want to be a Principal Software Engineer
Where are you working as a Principal Software Engineer?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Dell EMC, Fidelity Investments, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle and Raytheon has the most employees.
How many years of experience as a Principal Software Engineer is needed in average to switch to another position?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
A Principal Software Engineer typically changes positions after more than 5 years.
How common is it for a Principal Software Engineer to jump from company to company?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
A Principal Software Engineer is likely to work for multiple companies as a Principal Software Engineer.
What occupations do people usually work in before becoming a Principal Software Engineer?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
A Principal Software Engineer probably worked as Software Engineer, Software Developer or Staff Software Engineer before
Working as a Principal Software Engineer what job titles should I consider to switch to?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Consider the following: Software Engineer, Software Architect or Software Engineering Manager
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Disclaimer

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