Salaries in Sunnyvale, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Sunnyvale, CA?

The average salary in Sunnyvale, CA is $128,343 per year.

Sunnyvale, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Sunnyvale is around $128,343. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in the tech-driven economy. Companies in the area often provide competitive pay to attract top talent.


Some of the highest-paying jobs in Sunnyvale include software engineers, data scientists, and IT managers. These roles often come with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Other well-compensated positions include financial managers, marketing directors, and healthcare administrators. The tech industry, in particular, stands out for its generous compensation packages, including bonuses and stock options. Job seekers in Sunnyvale can expect attractive salary prospects, especially in specialized fields.

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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, offers some of the best-paying jobs in the tech industry. Principal Engineers, Wireless Engineers, and Machine Learning Engineers lead the list with high salaries. These roles often require specialized skills and experience, making them highly valued in the area. Sunnyvale's tech companies offer competitive pay for roles like Architect, Solutions Architect, and Firmware Engineer. These positions demand strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Staff Engineers, Integration Engineers, and Engineering Designers also enjoy good compensation. The demand for these roles reflects the city's strong tech presence.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $202,441 and Product Manager with the lowest at $186,199.
  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $202,441
    This role involves designing and developing systems. It requires strong technical skills and leadership. Companies like Apple and Tesla offer such positions.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $201,772
    This role focuses on designing and testing wireless communication systems. It requires a deep understanding of wireless technologies. Companies like Cisco and Qualcomm hire for these roles.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $195,885
    This role involves creating and implementing machine learning models. It requires strong programming skills and knowledge of data science. Companies like Google and Microsoft offer these positions.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Architect
    Average Salary: $194,285
    This role involves designing and overseeing the construction of buildings. It requires creativity and attention to detail. Companies like Gensler and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill hire architects.
    Find Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $193,991
    This role involves designing and implementing IT solutions. It requires strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Companies like IBM and Oracle hire for these roles.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $192,931
    This role involves designing and developing firmware for electronic devices. It requires a deep understanding of embedded systems. Companies like Intel and Qualcomm hire firmware engineers.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $191,597
    This role involves leading and mentoring a team of engineers. It requires strong leadership skills and technical expertise. Companies like Google and Apple offer these positions.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $190,922
    This role involves designing and implementing integration solutions. It requires strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Companies like Cisco and Oracle hire integration engineers.
    Find Integration Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Engineering Designer
    Average Salary: $188,872
    This role involves designing and developing products. It requires creativity and attention to detail. Companies like Apple and Tesla hire engineering designers.
    Find Engineering Designer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $186,199
    This role involves overseeing the development and launch of products. It requires strong leadership skills and knowledge of the market. Companies like Google and Microsoft hire product managers.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree?

Sunnyvale, California, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Positions such as line cook, dishwasher, and server assistant provide competitive salaries. These roles allow individuals to earn a good income while gaining valuable experience in the food service industry. Sunnyvale's thriving economy supports well-paying jobs for those without a degree. For example, a line cook can earn around $46,000 annually. Dishwashers and server assistants also earn over $40,000. These jobs offer stability and the chance to advance in a dynamic work environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $45,999 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $37,567.
  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $45,999
    This role involves preparing food in a fast-paced kitchen. It requires teamwork and attention to detail. Many restaurants in the area offer this opportunity.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $41,968
    Dishwasher duties include cleaning dishes and maintaining a clean kitchen. This job is essential for the smooth operation of any dining establishment. Many local eateries need dependable dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,503
    Server assistants help servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. This role is great for those who enjoy interacting with customers. Many restaurants in the area offer this position.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $41,423
    Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They need to be quick and friendly. Many cafes in the area offer this job.
    Find Barista jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $41,076
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They need good communication skills. Many restaurants in the area offer this role.
    Find Server jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $40,734
    Groundskeepers maintain the outdoor areas of properties. They need to be reliable and detail-oriented. Many companies in the area need skilled groundskeepers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,744
    Service team members assist customers in various ways. They need to be friendly and helpful. Many businesses in the area offer this position.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,909
    Kitchen team members help with food preparation and kitchen tasks. They need to be organized and hardworking. Many restaurants in the area offer this job.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,567
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms. They need to be thorough and detail-oriented. Many hotels and resorts in the area offer this role.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, is home to some of the top-paying companies in the tech and retail sectors. Apple leads the way with an average salary of $206,659, followed closely by DoorDash at $199,284. Uber, Walmart, and Sam's Club also offer competitive salaries, with averages above $180,000. These companies provide excellent opportunities for job seekers looking for high compensation. Illumio, SpaceX, and Fortinet continue to offer attractive salaries, with averages ranging from $173,863 to $181,911. Intuitive Surgical, Juniper Networks, and other companies in Sunnyvale provide solid compensation packages as well. Job seekers in Sunnyvale can find rewarding career opportunities with these top-paying companies.
Graph displaying company salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Apple with the highest at $206,659 and Juniper Networks with the lowest at $160,015.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $206,659
    Apple is a tech giant known for its innovative products. It offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.


  2. DoorDash
    Average Salary: $199,284
    DoorDash is a leading food delivery service. It provides a good salary and opportunities for growth in the tech industry.


  3. Uber
    Average Salary: $189,804
    Uber is a global ride-sharing company. It offers a high salary and a chance to work on cutting-edge technology.


  4. Walmart
    Average Salary: $188,059
    Walmart is a retail giant. It offers a solid salary and various career opportunities in technology and logistics.


  5. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $182,018
    Sam's Club is a membership-based warehouse club. It provides a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.


  6. Illumio
    Average Salary: $181,911
    Illumio specializes in cybersecurity. It offers a good salary and a chance to work on important security projects.


  7. SpaceX
    Average Salary: $173,863
    SpaceX is a leader in space technology. It offers a high salary and the chance to work on groundbreaking missions.


  8. Fortinet
    Average Salary: $165,411
    Fortinet is a cybersecurity company. It provides a solid salary and opportunities for career advancement in tech.


  9. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $161,527
    Intuitive is a medical technology company. It offers a good salary and a chance to work on innovative surgical solutions.


  10. Juniper Networks
    Average Salary: $160,015
    Juniper Networks is a networking and cybersecurity company. It provides a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.

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

Sunnyvale, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Sunnyvale stands at 184, which is 84% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by the housing index, which is 227% higher than the average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous also show elevated costs, though not as dramatically.
Cost of living comparison graph for Sunnyvale, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 227% higher, groceries 42% higher, utilities 13% higher, transportation 36% higher, healthcare 17% higher, miscellaneous 36% higher.

Sunnyvale, CA, stands out with a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Sunnyvale is notably 327, which is more than triple the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in Sunnyvale are over 200% higher than the average American city. Such a steep increase can greatly affect potential residents' budgets, making it essential for job seekers to consider these expenses when planning a move.


Other living expenses in Sunnyvale also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 42% more, with an index of 142. Utilities also show a higher cost, at 13% above the average, with an index of 113. Transportation costs are 36% higher, while healthcare expenses are 17% above the national average. Even miscellaneous costs, which include items like clothing and entertainment, are 36% higher, with an index of 136. These figures highlight the importance of understanding the full scope of living expenses when considering a move to Sunnyvale.

There are 2,672 job openings in Sunnyvale, CA, today!

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City
Overview
Sunnyvale, CA
2,672 Job Openings