← Back to all job titles

Principal Engineer

Showing salary data for 2,649 Principal Engineer positions

In-depth H-1B visa salary data for Principal Engineer positions across the United States. Explore compensation trends, top employers, and geographic distribution for this specialty occupation. Compare wages across different companies and cities.

Job Title Stats

Total Positions

2,649

Average Salary

$145,512.23

About Principal Engineer

The role of a Principal Engineer is pivotal in driving technical innovation and leading engineering teams within organizations. Typically, Principal Engineers are responsible for designing complex systems, overseeing project development, and mentoring junior engineers. They require a strong foundation in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving skills, and expertise in relevant technologies. With an average salary of approximately $153K and 357 H-1B positions available in 2024, this role is highly sought after, particularly among international professionals seeking visa sponsorship. The demand for Principal Engineers is growing, driven by advancements in technology and the need for skilled leaders in engineering projects. This position not only offers competitive compensation but also presents significant career advancement opportunities, making it an attractive option for those looking to establish a long-term career in the U.S.

Monthly H-1B Job Count & Salaries

Job Count
Mean Salary
Median Salary
Peak (2022-10)
162
$158,584
$161,886
Slowest (2014-05)
1
$113,298
$113,298

Top Locations for Principal Engineer

Austin, TX
454 positions • $149,787 avg • 0.2% dominance
San Jose, CA
329 positions • $173,741 avg • 0.2% dominance
Santa Clara, CA
276 positions • $178,424 avg • 0.1% dominance
San Francisco, CA
115 positions • $166,592 avg • 0.1% dominance
San Diego, CA
73 positions • $139,790 avg • 0.0% dominance
Chandler, AZ
68 positions • $125,571 avg • 0.6% dominance

* Dominance shows what proportion of all H-1B jobs in each city are for the Principal Engineer role.

💰 Salary Trends & Insights

The salary trends for Principal Engineer positions show a significant increase over the years, with an overall average salary rising from $123,968 in 2014 to $168,563 in 2025. Notably, the recent months of 2025 have seen average salaries peak at $182,486 in May. Market demand has fluctuated, with 2020 witnessing the highest job postings at 446, while 2024 had a robust average salary of $152,096. The role's compensation has evolved markedly, reflecting a growing demand for skilled engineers, particularly in the latter half of 2024 and into 2025.

Reset
Swipe left/right to see all columns
H-1B visa salary information
Job Title Employer Location Salary Date
Principal EngineerNutanix, IncSan Jose, CA$226,1582025-06-01
Principal EngineerU.S. Bank National AssociationFrisco, TX$149,7812025-06-01
Principal EngineerOntario Systems, LlcKaty, TX$149,9472025-06-01
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerArm, IncAustin, TX$154,5652025-05-21
Principal EngineerCydcor, LlcCelina, TX$149,7812025-05-12
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Principal EngineerPalo Alto Networks, IncSanta Clara, CA$213,7202025-05-07
Page 1 of 53
Page 1 of 53