Salaries in Santa Clara, CA

Updated on Apr 14, 2025
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What is the average salary in Santa Clara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Clara, CA is $120,754 per year.

Santa Clara, CA offers a robust job market with competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $120,754. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, where opportunities range from entry-level positions to high-paying roles in technology and engineering. The distribution of salaries shows a significant portion of professionals earning between $81,455 and $149,636 annually. This range highlights the potential for career growth and financial stability within the region. Job seekers in Santa Clara can expect a variety of salary options, making it an attractive destination for those seeking professional advancement and a higher standard of living.

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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

Santa Clara, CA, offers some of the highest-paying jobs in the tech industry. Principal Engineer, Solutions Architect, and Architect lead the pack with average salaries exceeding $200,000. Other lucrative roles include Machine Learning Engineer, DevOps Engineer, and Technical Programs Manager. These positions reflect the strong demand for skilled professionals in the region.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $218,885 and Clinical Supervisor with the lowest at $184,206.
  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $218,885
    This role involves leading engineering teams and projects, often in tech giants like Google and Apple. Principal Engineers design and implement complex systems, ensuring high-quality software delivery.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $214,870
    Solutions Architects design and implement IT solutions, working closely with clients and stakeholders. In Santa Clara, this role is prevalent in companies like Cisco and VMware.
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  3. Architect
    Average Salary: $212,074
    Architects create and manage design projects, ensuring they meet client needs and regulatory standards. In Santa Clara, this role is common in tech firms like Intel and Tesla.
    Find Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $206,476
    These professionals develop and implement machine learning models, often working with big data. Companies like Google and Apple are known for hiring ML Engineers in Santa Clara.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. DevOps Engineer
    Average Salary: $195,077
    DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between development and operations, automating and improving software delivery. This role is highly sought after in tech firms like Oracle and eBay.
    Find DevOps Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  6. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $194,679
    These managers oversee technical projects, ensuring they meet deadlines and budgets. They often work in tech companies like Intel and Cisco, coordinating between teams.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $193,116
    Integration Engineers focus on integrating various systems and software, ensuring seamless operation. This role is common in tech firms like Apple and Cisco.
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  8. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $187,957
    Firmware Engineers develop and test software that controls hardware. In Santa Clara, this role is prevalent in tech companies like Intel and Apple.
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  9. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $185,563
    Product Managers lead the development of new products, from concept to launch. They work closely with cross-functional teams, often in tech firms like Google and Apple.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  10. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $184,206
    Clinical Supervisors oversee healthcare teams, ensuring high-quality patient care. This role is common in healthcare facilities like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Clara, CA without a degree?

In Santa Clara, CA, several high-paying jobs do not require a degree. Restaurant Manager tops the list with an average salary of $79,655. Other notable roles include To Go Specialist, Server Assistant, and Groundskeeper, all offering competitive compensation.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Clara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $79,655 and Service Team Member with the lowest at $42,000.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $79,655
    Manage daily operations, oversee staff, and ensure customer satisfaction in a bustling dining environment. Work with renowned establishments like Google, Apple, and Tesla.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $62,366
    Prepare and package orders for customers in a fast-paced setting. Experience the tech industry's vibrant culture with companies like Intel and VMware.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $53,014
    Support servers by taking orders, delivering food, and ensuring a smooth dining experience. Gain exposure to tech giants like Cisco and Oracle.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $50,644
    Maintain the grounds of commercial properties, ensuring a clean and inviting environment. Work with companies like Adobe and eBay.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $48,201
    Clean and maintain guest rooms, common areas, and facilities. Experience the hospitality needs of tech companies like Salesforce and LinkedIn.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $47,113
    Serve food and beverages to customers, ensuring a positive dining experience. Work with popular restaurants and cafes in the area.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $45,761
    Maintain cleanliness and safety on floors, ensuring a welcoming environment. Experience the needs of tech companies like Qualcomm and NetApp.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  8. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $43,745
    Perform landscaping and maintenance tasks, keeping outdoor spaces well-kept. Work with companies like IBM and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $43,671
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Gain experience in the culinary needs of tech companies like Tesla and PayPal.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  10. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,000
    Provide excellent customer service, ensuring a positive experience for guests. Work with companies like Apple and Google.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Clara, CA?

In Santa Clara, CA, top-paying companies include NVIDIA, Oski Technology, and Apple, offering average salaries that significantly exceed the local market average. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for job seekers looking for high earning potential.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting NVIDIA with the highest at $218,034 and Intel Corporation with the lowest at $172,086.
  1. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $218,034
    NVIDIA is a technology company known for its graphics processing units and artificial intelligence solutions.


  2. Oski Technology
    Average Salary: $210,653
    Oski Technology specializes in providing high-performance computing solutions for data-intensive applications.


  3. Apple
    Average Salary: $209,615
    Apple is a leading technology company renowned for its innovative consumer electronics, software, and services.


  4. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $204,472
    Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology, providing semiconductor products and services for mobile devices.


  5. Pure Storage
    Average Salary: $203,391
    Pure Storage offers enterprise-grade storage solutions for data management and protection.


  6. d-Matrix
    Average Salary: $202,297
    d-Matrix is a technology company specializing in data management and analytics solutions.


  7. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $201,411
    ServiceNow provides cloud-based software for enterprise workflow automation and IT service management.


  8. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $192,766
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity company offering network security solutions to protect organizations from cyber threats.


  9. Ampere Computing
    Average Salary: $174,153
    Ampere Computing designs and manufactures high-performance processors for data centers and cloud computing.


  10. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $172,086
    Intel Corporation is a leading semiconductor company known for its microprocessors and technology innovations.

How does the cost of living in Santa Clara, CA compare to the national average?

Santa Clara, CA, boasts a cost of living index that is 189.9% of the nationwide average, reflecting significantly higher expenses, particularly in housing. This elevated index underscores the importance of considering these costs when planning a move to the area.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Clara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 189% higher, groceries 14% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 6% higher, miscellaneous 17% higher.

Santa Clara, CA, stands out with a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Santa Clara are notably elevated, with an index of 289.9, indicating that expenses in this area are nearly three times the national average. This substantial increase reflects the high demand and limited supply of housing in the region, making it a critical consideration for potential residents.


Other essential expenses also exceed the national average, though not as dramatically. For instance, groceries in Santa Clara are priced at 114.2, which is 14.2% higher than the average. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also show increases, with indices of 105.3, 130.1, 106.1, and 117.8 respectively. These figures highlight that while Santa Clara offers numerous professional opportunities, job seekers must be prepared for higher living expenses across various sectors.

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Pasadena, CA
Pasadena, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 121. This indicates that living expenses in Pasadena are 21% greater than the national average.
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Pasadena, TX
Pasadena, TX, boasts a cost of living index that is 94.4% of the nationwide average, making it a relatively affordable place to live. This index reflects a balanced distribution across various categories, including housing, groceries, and utilities, offering a cost-effective living option for professionals.
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Pearland, TX
Pearland, TX, presents a cost of living index that is 98% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower cost of living. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.
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Pembroke Pines, FL
Pembroke Pines, FL, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also slightly exceed the national average, while utilities and healthcare remain close to it.
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Pflugerville, TX
Pflugerville, TX, presents a cost of living index that is 95% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower overall cost of living. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.
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Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas Park, FL, boasts a cost of living index that is 97% of the nationwide average, reflecting a slightly lower overall cost of living. Notably, the housing and utilities sectors contribute to this favorable comparison, with indices of 95% and 96%, respectively.
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Plano, TX
Plano, TX, exhibits a cost of living index of 105, which is 5% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This suggests that overall expenses in Plano are slightly above the national standard.
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Plantation, FL
Plantation, FL, exhibits a cost of living index that is 12% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also slightly exceed the national average, while utilities and healthcare remain relatively close to it.
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Pomona, CA
Pomona, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 52% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and utilities also show slight increases, while healthcare costs remain below the national average.
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Pompano Beach, FL
Pompano Beach, FL, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also surpass the national average, while utilities and healthcare remain slightly below.
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Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average, while utilities and transportation remain relatively close to the benchmark.
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Quincy, MA
Quincy, MA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 125%. This indicates that residents can expect to spend 25% more across various living expenses.
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Rancho Cordova, CA
The cost of living index in Rancho Cordova, CA, stands at 115%, surpassing the nationwide average by 15%. This indicates that living expenses in Rancho Cordova are generally higher than the national average.
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Redmond, WA
Redmond, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 45% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories such as groceries and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average, though to a lesser extent.
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Renton, WA
The cost of living index in Renton, WA, stands at 120, which is 20% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This elevated index reflects higher expenses in various sectors, including housing and healthcare.
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Richardson, TX
The cost of living index in Richardson, TX, stands at 105, which is 5% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that overall expenses in Richardson are slightly above the national average.
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Riverside, CA
Riverside, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 23% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. This makes Riverside a noteworthy location for job seekers considering the overall living expenses.
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Roseville, CA
Roseville, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with a cost of living index of 128. This indicates that living expenses in Roseville are 28% above the national average.
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Round Rock, TX
The cost of living index in Round Rock, TX, stands at 101, slightly above the nationwide average of 100. Housing, groceries, and healthcare costs are notably higher, while utilities and transportation costs are relatively lower.
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Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Despite this, other categories like groceries and utilities remain relatively close to the national average.
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Sammamish, WA
Sammamish, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 72% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by a 72% increase in housing costs. Other categories like groceries and utilities also show above-average expenses, making it a significant consideration for job seekers.
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San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, TX, boasts a cost of living index that is 92% of the nationwide average, making it a more affordable option for many professional job seekers. This index reflects lower housing costs and competitive prices across other essential categories.
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San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 46% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also surpass the national average, contributing to the overall higher living expenses.
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San Jose, CA
San Jose, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 139.8. This represents a 39.8% increase over the national average of 100.
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San Marcos, CA
San Marcos, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 118. Housing costs notably stand at 62% above the national average, making it a significant factor in the city's elevated cost of living.
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San Marcos, TX
San Marcos, TX, boasts a cost of living index that is 94% of the nationwide average, reflecting a generally affordable living environment. This index, derived from housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses, positions San Marcos as a competitive choice for cost-conscious professionals.
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Sanford, FL
Sanford, FL, boasts a cost of living index that is 95% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower cost of living in this area. This makes Sanford an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle without compromising on quality.
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Santa Clarita, CA
Santa Clarita, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 116. This indicates that living expenses in Santa Clarita are 16% above the national average.
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Schertz, TX
Schertz, TX, boasts a cost of living index that is 96% of the nationwide average, making it a slightly more affordable option for professional job seekers. Notably, housing costs in Schertz are 5% below the national average, offering a potential advantage for those relocating.
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Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 128. This indicates that living expenses in Seattle are approximately 28% greater than the national average.
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Shoreline, WA
Shoreline, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 165% of the nationwide average in housing, reflecting a significant premium. Other categories like groceries and transportation also surpass the average, with indices at 110% and 120%, respectively.
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Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 17.3% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and utilities remain close to the national average, making Somerville a competitive option for those prioritizing specific living expenses.
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Spokane Valley, WA
Spokane Valley, WA, presents a cost of living index of 98, which is slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living expenses in Spokane Valley are generally 2% lower than the national average.
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Spokane, WA
Spokane, WA, presents a cost of living index that is 90% of the nationwide average, indicating a relatively affordable living environment for job seekers. This index reflects lower costs in housing and miscellaneous expenses, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
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Springfield, MA
Springfield, MA, boasts a cost of living index that is 91% of the nationwide average, indicating a relatively affordable living environment for professional job seekers. Notably, housing costs are 22% below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing.
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Sugar Land, TX
The cost of living index in Sugar Land, TX, stands at 99, slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living expenses in Sugar Land are nearly on par with the national average.
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Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale, CA, exhibits a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 165. This represents a 65% increase over the national benchmark of 100.
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Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 110. This indicates that living expenses in Tacoma are 10% above the national average.
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Tallahassee, FL
The cost of living index in Tallahassee, FL, stands at 91, which is 1% below the nationwide average of 100. This slight decrease suggests that living expenses in Tallahassee are marginally more affordable than the average American city.
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Tampa, FL
Tampa, FL, boasts a cost of living index that is 96% of the nationwide average, making it a relatively affordable place to live. Housing, groceries, and miscellaneous costs are slightly below the national average, while transportation costs are slightly above.
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The Colony, TX
The Colony, TX, boasts a cost of living index of 95, which is 5% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable living environment.
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The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands, TX, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation remain slightly below the national average.
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Torrance, CA
The cost of living index in Torrance, CA, stands at 138, surpassing the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living expenses in Torrance are 38% higher than the national average.
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Tukwila, WA
Tukwila, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 34% higher than the nationwide average in housing, while other categories like groceries and healthcare remain relatively close to the national average, making it a balanced consideration for job seekers.
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Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, WA's cost of living index stands at 98, slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living expenses in Vancouver are generally 2% less than the national average.
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Vista, CA
The cost of living index in Vista, CA, stands at 124, which is 24% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This elevated index reflects higher expenses, particularly in housing, which is 79% above the national average.
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Westfield, MA
Westfield, MA, presents a cost of living index that is 98% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower overall cost of living. Housing and miscellaneous expenses are notably lower, while utilities and healthcare costs are marginally higher.
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Weston, FL
Weston, FL, exhibits a cost of living index that is 15% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also show modest increases, while utilities and healthcare remain close to the national average.
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Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA, presents a cost of living index that is 99% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower cost of living in most areas. Notably, housing and utilities are below the national average, while groceries and transportation exceed it.
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There are 2,307 job openings in Santa Clara, CA, today!

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Santa Clara, CA
2,307 job openings