Principal Engineer Principal Engineer Salary in Charlotte, NC

Principal Engineer Salary in Charlotte, NC

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Principal Engineer make in Charlotte, NC?

The average salary for a Principal Engineer is $192,005 per year in Charlotte, NC.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC, showing an average salary of $192,005 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC, showing an average salary of $16,000 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC, showing an average salary of $3,692 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC, showing an average salary of $92 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Principal Engineers in Charlotte, NC, enjoy competitive salaries that reflect their expertise and experience. On average, they earn about $192,005 per year. This figure provides a solid benchmark for job seekers to consider. Salaries in this field range widely, with some professionals earning as little as $120,000 and others making over $232,000.

Several factors influence these salary numbers. Experience, specific skills, and the company’s size and industry play key roles. In Charlotte, tech companies and financial institutions often offer higher pay. Job seekers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may also see higher salaries. Looking for opportunities in these areas can be beneficial for those seeking a higher income.

Principal Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC
View all Principal Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC

What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Charlotte, NC?

Cities near Charlotte, NC offer some of the highest salaries for Principal Engineer positions. Raleigh, NC, ranks highest with an average salary of nearly $192,538. Close behind, Fort Mill, SC, boasts a strong average salary of $191,978. Job seekers should consider these areas for opportunities in engineering leadership roles.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal Engineer jobs near Charlotte, NC, highlighting Raleigh, NC with the highest at $192,538 and Rock Hill, SC with the lowest at $99,675.

  1. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $192,538
    Raleigh, often called the 'City of Oaks', offers dynamic opportunities for engineers. Companies like IBM and Red Hat need experts to lead software projects. The tech-focused environment encourages innovation and growth.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC


  2. Fort Mill, SC
    Average Salary: $191,978
    Fort Mill, near Charlotte, is a great place for engineers. Major firms like Duke Energy focus on energy and tech projects. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with plenty of opportunities to grow your career.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Fort Mill, SC


  3. Durham, NC
    Average Salary: $163,368
    Durham, known as the 'Bull City', has a strong tech presence. Companies such as IBM and Cisco seek leaders to drive tech projects. The vibrant community and top-tier universities make it ideal for professional development.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $159,405
    Greensboro, part of the Triad area, is home to many tech firms. Companies like Cisco and IBM hire engineers to work on cutting-edge projects. The city's growing economy and affordable living make it attractive for career advancement.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Greensboro, NC


  5. Winston-Salem, NC
    Average Salary: $159,027
    Winston-Salem, with its rich history and modern tech scene, is a hub for engineering talent. Firms like IBM and Cisco need professionals to lead tech initiatives. The city offers a balance of work and leisure, supporting a fulfilling career.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Winston-Salem, NC


  6. Asheville, NC
    Average Salary: $154,000
    Asheville, known for its scenic beauty, has a vibrant tech sector. Companies like Cisco and IBM look for leaders to guide tech projects. The city's natural attractions and vibrant community provide a unique work-life balance.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Asheville, NC


  7. Rock Hill, SC
    Average Salary: $99,675
    Rock Hill, close to Charlotte, offers a mix of opportunities for engineers. Companies such as Duke Energy need experts to drive tech projects. The city's growing economy and suburban charm create a great environment for professional growth.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Rock Hill, SC

What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Charlotte, NC?

Wells Fargo leads in offering top salaries for Principal Engineer roles in Charlotte, NC, with an average salary of $220,755. Day & Zimmermann follows closely with a competitive average of $170,500. Huntington Bank and Ally Financial also provide strong compensation, averaging $150,900 and $140,357, respectively. These companies value engineering talent and offer attractive benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC, highlighting Wells Fargo with the highest at $220,755 and Ally Financial with the lowest at $140,357.

  1. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $220,755
    Wells Fargo offers exciting opportunities for Principal Engineers in Charlotte, NC. They focus on developing innovative solutions to enhance customer experiences. This company operates nationwide, providing a dynamic work environment.


  2. Day & Zimmermann
    Average Salary: $170,500
    Day & Zimmermann provides competitive salaries for Principal Engineers in Charlotte. This company operates in multiple states, focusing on engineering and technical services. They offer a supportive and collaborative work culture.


  3. Huntington Bank
    Average Salary: $150,900
    Huntington Bank values Principal Engineers in Charlotte, NC. They offer a range of opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects. This company operates across several states, providing a stable and rewarding work environment.


  4. Ally Financial
    Average Salary: $140,357
    Ally Financial offers rewarding positions for Principal Engineers in Charlotte, NC. They focus on delivering innovative financial solutions. This company operates across multiple locations, promoting professional growth and development.

Currently 588 Principal Engineer job openings, nationwide.

View Principal Engineer Jobs in Charlotte, NC

How's the job market for a Principal Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Principal Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Principal Engineer today.
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