$195,500
median · per year, annualized USD
$219,500
median · per year, annualized USD
The median for C++ is $195,500 per year (typically $165,000–$225,000), versus $219,500 for Principal Engineer ($171,000–$271,125). That puts Principal Engineer about 12% ahead at the median.
Both figures are computed live from active listings on JobsRadar and normalized to annualized USD, so C++ and Principal Engineer are compared on equal terms regardless of the currency each role was originally posted in. Only roles that publish a salary range feed the medians; numbers refresh every few hours as new roles post and older ones close, so this comparison reflects the market right now rather than a fixed survey. Use it as a directional benchmark when weighing one path against the other.