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Principal, Software Development Engineer

Showing salary data for 2,239 Principal, Software Development Engineer positions

In-depth H-1B visa salary data for Principal, Software Development 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

2,239

Average Salary

$170,188.92

About Principal, Software Development Engineer

The role of a Principal Software Development Engineer (PSDE) is pivotal in leading software projects and driving innovation within technology teams. Typically, PSDEs are responsible for designing complex software systems, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products. Required skills include advanced programming expertise, strong problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in software architecture. With an average salary of approximately $184K and 554 H-1B positions available in 2024, this role presents significant opportunities for international professionals seeking visa sponsorship. The demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing reliance on software solutions across industries. This makes the PSDE position not only lucrative but also a stable career choice with excellent growth potential.

Monthly H-1B Job Count & Salaries

Job Count
Mean Salary
Median Salary
Peak (2021-10)
231
$173,016
$167,710
Slowest (2014-02)
1
$116,272
$116,272

Top Locations for Principal, Software Development Engineer

Seattle, WA
1,236 positions • $168,044 avg • 0.4% dominance
Sunnyvale, CA
278 positions • $183,479 avg • 0.2% dominance
Bellevue, WA
135 positions • $179,598 avg • 0.2% dominance
East Palo Alto, CA
108 positions • $169,012 avg • 1.3% dominance
San Francisco, CA
58 positions • $189,406 avg • 0.0% dominance
Santa Clara, CA
56 positions • $239,628 avg • 0.0% dominance

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

💰 Salary Trends & Insights

The salary trends for Principal Software Development Engineer positions have shown a significant upward trajectory from 2014 to 2025. The overall average salary rose from $116,272 in 2014 to $191,733 in 2025, reflecting a robust increase in compensation. Notably, the recent 12 months (July 2024 to June 2025) indicate peak salaries, with an average of $192,550 in June 2025. Market demand peaked in 2021 with 657 job postings, while 2024 also saw high activity with 554 postings. This role's compensation has evolved from $116,272 in 2014 to a striking $211,680 in July 2024, showcasing a strong demand and competitive salary growth.

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H-1B visa salary information
Job Title Employer Location Salary Date
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-18
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcSeattle, WA$190,4862025-06-15
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon Development Center U.S., IncSanta Clara, CA$226,1582025-06-11
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
Principal, Software Development EngineerAmazon.Com Services LlcArlington, VA$173,7632025-06-10
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