Microsoft employees working as Principal Lead Software Development Engineer in US have attributed a compensation and benefits rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars, based on 245 ratings. This is in line with the average of Principal Lead Software Development Engineer professionals at Microsoft worldwide.
The estimated average salary for a Principal Lead Software Development Engineer at Microsoft is $242,131 per year or $116 per hour, but some professionals have reported earning up to roughly $374,072 per year (90th percentile). The typical pay range is between $195,003 (25th percentile) and $305,676 (75th percentile) annually. This is based on 26 salaries submitted by Microsoft Principal Lead Software Development Engineer professionals on Glassdoor, as of Jul 2026.
Principal Lead Software Development Engineer professionals typically earn between $94 and $147 per hour.
Principal Lead Software Development Engineer professionals typically earn between $16,250 and $25,473 monthly.