Principal Engineer salaries in Denver range from $336,000 to $1,800,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $600,000, which is 20% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$336,000 – $456,000
Median: $396,000 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$480,000 – $720,000
Median: $600,000 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$720,000 – $1,800,000
Median: $1,260,000 · per year
Estimate your earning potential based on role, location, and experience.
Estimated Principal Engineer Salary in Denver, CO
Estimated†Median: $930,000 per year (adjusted for Denver cost of living)
Junior
$396,000
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$600,000
3-5 yrs
Senior
$1,260,000
6+ yrs
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO | $600,000 | high |
| New York, NY | $725,000 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $725,000 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $600,000 | high |
| Houston, TX | $500,000 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $500,000 | moderate |