How much does a Principal Engineer make in Seattle, WA?
A Principal Engineer in Seattle, WA can expect to earn a strong salary, often reflecting their experience and expertise in the field. The average yearly salary for this role stands at $227,987, offering a competitive edge for those in this position. This pay scale provides a clear indication of the value placed on the advanced technical skills and leadership abilities that Principal Engineers bring to the table.
The distribution of salaries for Principal Engineers in Seattle reveals a wide range, showcasing the potential for higher earnings based on various factors. Here is the breakdown:
- 10% earn less than $132,682
- 25% earn less than $154,814
- 50% earn less than $176,945
- 75% earn less than $221,209
- 90% earn less than $265,473
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Seattle, WA?

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Kirkland, WA
Average Salary: $354,000
In Kirkland, WA, engineers can expect a vibrant tech environment with opportunities to work at prominent companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The city offers a mix of innovation and community, making it an ideal place to grow and develop new technologies.
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Redmond, WA
Average Salary: $220,704
Redmond, WA, is known for its tech giants like Microsoft and Nintendo of America. Working as an engineer here means you’ll be at the center of tech innovation, collaborating with top minds in the industry. The city provides a supportive environment for professional growth.
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Bellevue, WA
Average Salary: $206,605
Bellevue, WA, is home to a variety of tech companies, including Microsoft and T-Mobile. Engineers here enjoy a collaborative work culture that emphasizes innovation. The city’s focus on technology makes it a great place for those looking to advance in their careers.
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Renton, WA
Average Salary: $191,094
Renton, WA, offers a strong tech scene with employers like Boeing and Microsoft. Engineers benefit from a rich culture of innovation and teamwork. The city’s growing tech presence provides numerous opportunities for career advancement.
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Bothell, WA
Average Salary: $166,837
Bothell, WA, is a hub for tech companies like Amazon and Costco. Engineers here work in a dynamic environment that supports innovation and creativity. The city offers a mix of professional opportunities and a friendly community.
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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 rewarding Principal Engineer positions in various locations in Seattle, WA. At Google, Principal Engineers lead and shape major projects. The company operates globally, with significant presence in tech hubs.
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SoFi
Average Salary: $261,000
SoFi hires Principal Engineers for its offices in Seattle, WA. This company focuses on financial technology and innovation. SoFi provides opportunities for engineers to contribute to significant financial projects.
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Atlassian
Average Salary: $257,366
Atlassian, based in Seattle, WA, seeks Principal Engineers to advance its software development. The company offers a collaborative environment and operates in multiple locations worldwide.
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DigitalOcean
Average Salary: $237,600
DigitalOcean, located in Seattle, WA, provides high-paying roles for Principal Engineers. This company specializes in cloud computing and offers global operations. Engineers here work on innovative projects.
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Nordstrom
Average Salary: $234,607
Nordstrom, a Seattle-based company, offers Principal Engineer positions with competitive salaries. They focus on retail technology and operate numerous stores across the U.S.
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Starbucks
Average Salary: $223,508
Starbucks has Principal Engineer roles available in Seattle, WA. This global coffeehouse giant offers opportunities to work on technology projects that enhance customer experience.
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Blue Origin
Average Salary: $206,630
Blue Origin, based in Seattle, WA, hires Principal Engineers for space exploration projects. The company operates with a focus on innovation and technological advancement.
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Costco Wholesale
Average Salary: $195,000
Costco Wholesale offers Principal Engineer positions in Seattle, WA. This company operates warehouses globally and focuses on improving member experiences through technology.
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AeroTEC
Average Salary: $174,500
AeroTEC provides Principal Engineer roles in Seattle, WA. This company specializes in aerospace technology and offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $168,185
Amazon.com, headquartered in Seattle, WA, offers Principal Engineer positions. This global e-commerce giant provides opportunities to innovate and develop new technologies.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Seattle, WA?

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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $198,629
These roles focus on creating models that learn and improve over time. Companies in Seattle, like Microsoft and Amazon, hire these engineers to drive innovation in their products. This role requires strong skills in statistics and programming.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $190,287
Staff Engineers lead projects and mentor junior engineers. Seattle tech companies such as Zillow and Nordstrom value their expertise. These professionals oversee large-scale projects and ensure high-quality code.
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Research Manager
Average Salary: $188,601
Research Managers direct studies to improve products. In Seattle, firms like Microsoft Research and Bezos Expeditions need their insights. They analyze data and guide teams towards new discoveries.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $177,124
Solutions Architects design technology solutions. Companies in Seattle, including AWS and Tableau, rely on them for strategic guidance. They bridge the gap between business needs and technical execution.
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Technical Architect
Average Salary: $167,669
Technical Architects create system designs. Seattle firms like Boeing and Starbucks seek their expertise. They ensure systems are scalable and meet performance standards.
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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $166,423
Directors of Engineering lead tech teams. Seattle's major companies, such as Expedia and Amazon, benefit from their leadership. They oversee projects and ensure teams meet goals.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $148,800
Data Engineers manage data pipelines. Companies in Seattle, including Microsoft and Expedia, hire them to ensure data is accessible. They design systems that collect and process large datasets.
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DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $148,421
DevOps Engineers automate processes. Seattle tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon need their skills. They work to improve collaboration between development and operations teams.
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