How much does a Principal Engineer make in Seattle, WA?
Principal Engineers in Seattle, WA, enjoy a competitive salary. On average, they make about $225,264 each year. This figure is higher than the national average for similar roles. The salary range for these positions varies, with some earning as low as $124,100 and others reaching up to $354,000.
Several factors influence these salary numbers. Experience, education, and the specific company all play a role. Companies in Seattle often offer higher salaries to attract top talent. The tech industry, which is a major employer in the area, tends to pay well. This makes Seattle a great place for Principal Engineers looking to advance their careers.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Seattle, WA?

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Kirkland, WA
Average Salary: $354,000
Kirkland, WA, offers a thriving tech environment with many opportunities for senior engineers. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon are nearby. They seek experienced engineers to lead projects and mentor teams.
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Redmond, WA
Average Salary: $217,434
In Redmond, WA, tech giants like Microsoft create many job openings for senior engineers. These roles involve leading development teams and driving innovation. The city's tech-focused culture makes it ideal for career growth.
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Bellevue, WA
Average Salary: $192,578
Bellevue, WA, is home to a growing tech industry with many opportunities for senior engineers. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon are located here. These roles focus on leading projects and guiding teams to success.
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Bothell, WA
Average Salary: $168,494
Bothell, WA, offers a dynamic environment for senior engineers. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon are nearby. These roles involve leading development efforts and mentoring junior engineers. The city's tech-friendly atmosphere supports career advancement.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Seattle, WA?

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Google
Average Salary: $354,000
Google offers exciting opportunities for Principal Engineers in Seattle. They work on cutting-edge projects and technologies. Google operates globally, with major offices in many countries.
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Atlassian
Average Salary: $275,465
Atlassian is known for its innovative software solutions. Principal Engineers here focus on developing tools that millions use worldwide. The company has offices in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, and the United States.
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SoFi
Average Salary: $261,000
SoFi provides financial services and technology solutions. Principal Engineers at SoFi work on projects that impact millions of customers. The company operates nationwide, with its headquarters in San Francisco.
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DigitalOcean
Average Salary: $240,800
DigitalOcean offers cloud computing services. Principal Engineers here develop and maintain the infrastructure that powers the company. DigitalOcean has offices in New York, Seattle, and San Francisco.
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Nordstrom
Average Salary: $232,250
Nordstrom is a leading fashion retailer. Principal Engineers at Nordstrom focus on enhancing the customer experience through technology. The company operates stores across the United States.
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Starbucks
Average Salary: $217,770
Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain. Principal Engineers here work on projects that improve operations and customer experience. Starbucks has locations worldwide, with its headquarters in Seattle.
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Blue Origin
Average Salary: $206,284
Blue Origin is a space technology company. Principal Engineers at Blue Origin work on projects that push the boundaries of space exploration. The company operates in several locations, including Washington, Texas, and Florida.
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Costco Wholesale
Average Salary: $195,000
Costco is a membership-only warehouse club. Principal Engineers at Costco focus on improving the shopping experience for members. The company operates warehouses across the United States.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $170,782
Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. Principal Engineers at Amazon work on projects that enhance the customer experience. The company operates in many countries, with its headquarters in Seattle.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Seattle, WA?

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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $198,013
This role involves creating models that can learn from data. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft in Seattle use these models to improve services. They need strong skills in programming and data analysis.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $195,169
Staff engineers lead teams and projects. They work at tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. They focus on designing systems and solving complex problems. They need deep technical knowledge and leadership skills.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $175,188
Solutions architects design systems to meet business needs. They work for companies like Amazon and Microsoft. They create blueprints and ensure systems work well together. They need strong technical and communication skills.
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Technical Architect
Average Salary: $171,167
Technical architects focus on the technical aspects of system design. They work for companies like Amazon and Microsoft. They ensure systems are scalable and efficient. They need deep technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
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Research Manager
Average Salary: $170,457
Research managers lead teams in developing new technologies. They work for companies like Amazon and Microsoft. They need strong leadership and project management skills. They also need to understand technical details.
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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $157,359
Directors of engineering oversee all engineering activities. They work for companies like Amazon and Microsoft. They need strong leadership and technical skills. They also need to manage budgets and resources.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $148,800
Data engineers build and maintain data systems. They work for companies like Amazon and Microsoft. They need strong skills in programming and database management. They also need to ensure data is accurate and accessible.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $144,480
Cloud engineers manage cloud services. They work for companies like Amazon and Microsoft. They need strong skills in cloud platforms and networking. They also need to ensure systems are secure and reliable.
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