Average Experienced Senior Principal Engineer with Engineering Design Skills Salary in San Jose, California

$159,555
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$118k
MEDIAN
$160k
90%
$202k

The average salary for a Senior Principal Engineer is $159,555 in 2025

Base Salary
$118k - $202k
Bonus
$10k - $34k
Profit Sharing
$0 - $17k
Total Pay
$133k - $220k
Is Average Experienced Senior Principal Engineer with Engineering Design Skills Salary in San Jose, California your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What Do Senior Principal Engineers Do?

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FAQs About Senior Principal Engineers

What is the highest pay for Senior Principal Engineers in San Jose?

Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Senior Principal Engineer in San Jose is $202k / year

What is the lowest pay for Senior Principal Engineers in San Jose?

Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Senior Principal Engineer in San Jose is $118k / year

How can Senior Principal Engineers increase their salary?

Increasing your pay as a Senior Principal Engineer 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 Senior Principal Engineer that oversees more junior Senior Principal Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.