Principal Engineer Principal Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA

Principal Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Principal Engineer make in Seattle, WA?

The average salary for a Principal Engineer is $232,457 per year in Seattle, WA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, showing an average salary of $232,457 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, showing an average salary of $19,371 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, showing an average salary of $4,470 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, showing an average salary of $112 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Principal Engineers in Seattle, WA, enjoy competitive salaries that reflect their advanced skills and expertise. On average, a Principal Engineer makes around $232,457 per year. This figure is higher than many other tech positions in the area, making it an attractive role for experienced engineers.


The salary range for Principal Engineers in Seattle shows a significant spread. The lowest-paid Principal Engineers earn around $124,100 per year. In contrast, the top earners in this field can make up to $354,000 annually. These numbers highlight the potential for salary growth as engineers gain more experience and take on more responsibilities.

Principal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA
View all Principal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA

What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Seattle, WA?

Job seekers aiming for a Principal Engineer role near Seattle will find high-paying opportunities in nearby cities. Kirkland, WA, stands out with the highest average salary of $356,737. Redmond, WA, follows closely with an average salary of $221,261. Additionally, Bellevue, WA, offers an average salary of $207,668, making it another attractive location. These figures highlight the competitive compensation packages available in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal Engineer jobs near Seattle, WA, highlighting Kirkland, WA with the highest at $356,737 and Bothell, WA with the lowest at $167,504.

  1. Kirkland, WA
    Average Salary: $356,737
    Working in Kirkland offers opportunities to collaborate with top tech companies. The area is known for its innovative atmosphere and strong job market. Many engineers here find positions that value creativity and technical expertise.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Kirkland, WA


  2. Redmond, WA
    Average Salary: $221,261
    Redmond is home to Microsoft and other tech giants. Engineers here enjoy a vibrant community that values innovation. The city provides a dynamic environment for professionals seeking growth and collaboration with industry leaders.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Redmond, WA


  3. Bellevue, WA
    Average Salary: $207,668
    Bellevue offers a blend of urban life and tech opportunities. The city is a hub for many tech companies, providing ample chances for engineers to contribute to cutting-edge projects. The work culture emphasizes teamwork and professional development.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Bellevue, WA


  4. Renton, WA
    Average Salary: $199,329
    Renton has become a key tech hub, with Boeing and other companies driving innovation. Engineers in Renton benefit from a supportive environment that encourages technical excellence. The city's growing tech scene offers diverse opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Renton, WA


  5. Bothell, WA
    Average Salary: $167,504
    Bothell is an emerging tech center, with companies like Nintendo of America and Overlake Medical Center. Engineers here work on exciting projects that push the boundaries of technology. The city provides a friendly atmosphere ideal for professional growth.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA

What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Seattle, WA?

Job seekers looking for high-paying Principal Engineer roles in Seattle will find great opportunities at Google, SoFi, and Atlassian. These companies offer top-tier salaries, with Google leading at an average of $354,000. SoFi and Atlassian are close behind, offering competitive packages that make Seattle an attractive place for experienced engineers. Other notable companies include DigitalOcean, Nordstrom, and Starbucks, all paying well above average. These firms provide excellent benefits and career growth, making them strong contenders in the job market. Candidates should consider these companies for their strong financial rewards and professional opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, highlighting Google with the highest at $354,000 and Providence with the lowest at $189,620.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $354,000
    At Google, Principal Engineers lead teams to build cutting-edge software and solutions. They work in various locations, including the iconic Googleplex in Mountain View, California, and other offices worldwide.


  2. SoFi
    Average Salary: $261,870
    SoFi offers Principal Engineer positions focused on fintech innovation. They operate out of San Francisco, California, and have additional offices in New York and Chicago.


  3. Atlassian
    Average Salary: $257,366
    Atlassian, creators of Jira and Confluence, seek Principal Engineers for its Seattle headquarters and other locations, including Sydney, Australia, and offices in Europe.


  4. DigitalOcean
    Average Salary: $237,600
    DigitalOcean offers Principal Engineer roles in its Seattle office and other locations like New York. They focus on cloud computing and developer platforms.


  5. Nordstrom
    Average Salary: $235,781
    Nordstrom, a leading retailer, hires Principal Engineers to innovate in its Seattle headquarters and other stores across the U.S.


  6. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $223,508
    Starbucks seeks Principal Engineers for its Seattle headquarters and many locations worldwide. They work on enhancing customer experiences through technology.


  7. Blue Origin
    Average Salary: $222,259
    Blue Origin, a space exploration company, offers Principal Engineer roles in its Kent, Washington, facility and other locations involved in their missions.


  8. Dell Technologies
    Average Salary: $201,693
    Dell Technologies hires Principal Engineers in its Seattle headquarters and various global offices. They focus on innovative technology solutions.


  9. Costco Wholesale
    Average Salary: $195,000
    Costco Wholesale offers Principal Engineer positions in its Issaquah, Washington, headquarters and numerous stores across the United States.


  10. Providence
    Average Salary: $189,620
    Providence, a healthcare provider, seeks Principal Engineers in its Renton, Washington, office and other locations across the country. They develop software to improve patient care.

Currently 445 Principal Engineer job openings, nationwide.

View Principal Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

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.
Position
Overview
Principal Engineer
445 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire