▼18%
$159,947
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$129k
MEDIAN
$160k
90%
$201k
The average salary for a Principal Software Architect is $159,947 in 2025
Base Salary
$129k - $201k
Bonus
$10k - $31k
Profit Sharing
$4k - $20k
Total Pay
$135k - $224k
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Principal Software Architects?
What Do Principal Software Architects Do?
Principal Software Architect Tasks
- Drive technology innovation and research; lead technology strategy through market analyses, and share emerging technology trends with team.
- Confer with users, sponsors and stakeholders to identify their vision and needs; design a software or group of software that meet client's needs.
- Provide practical solutions to problems that arise during the engineering and architectural processes.
- Identify product requirements and limitations to ensure system function.
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Common Health Benefits for a Principal Software Architect
Medical
96%
Dental
90%
Vision
87%
None
4%
Gender Breakdown for Principal Software Architects
Male
86.7%
Female
11.1%
Prefer to self-define
2.2%
This data is based on 45 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Principal Software Architects
What is the highest pay for Principal Software Architects?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Principal Software Architect is $201k / year
What is the lowest pay for Principal Software Architects?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Principal Software Architect is $129k / year
How can Principal Software Architects increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Principal Software Architect is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Principal Software Architect that oversees more junior Principal Software Architects, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.