Home > Salary > Norway > Principal Engineer
A principal engineer is a high-level technical expert responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing complex engineering projects. They lead a team of engineers and collaborate with other departments to ensure the successful execution of projects. Principal engineers are involved in all stages of the engineering process, from conceptualization to completion, and are responsible for making critical decisions that impact the overall success of the project.
Their role includes conducting research, analyzing data, and identifying innovative solutions to engineering challenges. They also provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, ensuring the development of their skills and knowledge. Principal engineers must possess strong leadership and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,713,611 NOK
Estimated Monthly Salary: 226,134 NOK
Estimated Weekly Salary: 52,185 NOK per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,305 NOK per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 218,536 NOK
Estimated Weekly Salary: 50,431 NOK per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,261 NOK per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02
Estimated Yearly Salary: 246,941 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,578 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,749 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,713,611 NOK
Estimated Monthly Salary: 226,134 NOK
Estimated Weekly Salary: 52,185 NOK per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,305 NOK per hour
By working as Principal Engineer a person can save up to 16,758 USD per month or 201,096 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Norway, see costs of living in Norway.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Engineer salary in Norway
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Engineer in Norway is approximately 2,713,611 NOK (246,941 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Principal Engineer do?

Skills: Principal Engineer, Engineering Leadership, Technical Expertise, Project Management, Innovation, Team Collaboration
Job industry: Engineering
Job industry: Engineering
How much does Principal Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,713,611 NOK
Estimated Monthly Salary: 226,134 NOK
Estimated Weekly Salary: 52,185 NOK per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,305 NOK per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,622,433 NOKEstimated Monthly Salary: 218,536 NOK
Estimated Weekly Salary: 50,431 NOK per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,261 NOK per hour
Principal Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 246,941 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,578 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,749 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Salary comparison to National average
Norway, located in Northern Europe, is a country known for its stunning natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and forests. With a population of approximately 5.4 million people, it is one of the least densely populated countries in Europe. The size of Norway is around 323,802 square kilometers, making it larger than many European countries.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 977,067 NOK (95,510 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Engineer job salary compared to average salary in Norway.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Engineer in Norway earns on average:
2.78 times the average salary (or 278% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 977,067 NOK (95,510 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Engineer job salary compared to average salary in Norway.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Engineer in Norway earns on average:
2.78 times the average salary (or 278% of average salary).
Is Principal Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Engineer is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Principal Engineer?
High salary for Principal Engineer would be somewhere between 2,984,972 NOK and 3,934,736 NOK. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Engineer in Norway?
Living in Norway the approximate monthly expenses are: 3,820 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,713,611 NOK
Estimated Monthly Salary: 226,134 NOK
Estimated Weekly Salary: 52,185 NOK per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,305 NOK per hour
By working as Principal Engineer a person can save up to 16,758 USD per month or 201,096 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Norway, see costs of living in Norway.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Denmark. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Engineer
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in Norway
(10,937,756 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
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4. Neurosurgeon
(8,566,101 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
(8,524,526 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
6. Oncologist
(8,361,766 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
7. Urologist
(8,317,150 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
(8,311,831 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
(8,311,163 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
(8,310,747 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Management accountant (1,373,238 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
Respiratory services director (1,504,680 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
Crematorium operator (555,976 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
Core driller (863,897 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
Training coordinator (1,042,096 NOK per year, pre-tax.)
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