Overview Salaries

Salaries in Sunnyvale, CA

Updated on Aug 12, 2025
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What is the average salary in Sunnyvale, CA?

The average salary in Sunnyvale, CA is $135,981 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $135,981 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $11,332 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $2,615 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $65 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Sunnyvale, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $135,981. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the potential for competitive compensation. Salaries vary widely, with some positions offering significantly higher pay than others.


The salary distribution shows a broad spectrum of earnings. For example, the lowest-paying jobs earn around $38,100 annually. On the other hand, the highest-paying roles can reach up to $262,500 per year. This range indicates that there are opportunities for both entry-level positions and high-skilled professionals. Job seekers in Sunnyvale can find roles that match their experience and career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, offers some of the highest-paying job opportunities in the tech industry. Principal Engineers lead the way with an average salary of $217,694. Other top-paying roles include Test Automation Engineers, Wireless Engineers, and Architects, all earning over $200,000 annually. These positions demand specialized skills and experience, making them highly rewarding for those in the field. Sunnyvale's tech-focused economy supports a variety of high-paying engineering and design jobs. Roles like Firmware Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, and Solutions Architects also offer competitive salaries. These jobs require advanced technical skills and often involve innovative projects. Job seekers with the right expertise can find excellent career opportunities in Sunnyvale.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $217,694 and Engineering Designer with the lowest at $189,661.

  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $217,694
    This role involves leading engineering projects and teams. It requires strong technical skills and experience. Companies like Apple and Tesla offer such positions.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Test Automation Engineer
    Average Salary: $205,581
    This role focuses on creating automated testing solutions. It requires knowledge of programming and testing tools. Companies like Google and Oracle have such roles.
    Find Test Automation Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $204,240
    This role involves designing and developing wireless communication systems. It requires expertise in RF and signal processing. Companies like Qualcomm and Intel offer such positions.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Architect
    Average Salary: $203,579
    This role involves designing buildings and structures. It requires creativity and technical skills. Companies like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Gensler have such roles.
    Find Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $200,117
    This role involves developing software for embedded systems. It requires knowledge of programming and hardware. Companies like Apple and Microsoft offer such positions.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $199,316
    This role involves creating and implementing machine learning models. It requires expertise in data science and programming. Companies like Google and Amazon have such roles.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $198,499
    This role involves designing solutions to meet business needs. It requires strong technical and communication skills. Companies like Cisco and IBM offer such positions.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $194,868
    This role involves integrating different systems and technologies. It requires knowledge of software and hardware. Companies like Oracle and SAP have such roles.
    Find Integration Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $193,807
    This role involves leading engineering projects and teams. It requires strong technical skills and experience. Companies like Google and Facebook offer such positions.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Engineering Designer
    Average Salary: $189,661
    This role involves designing products and systems. It requires creativity and technical skills. Companies like Apple and Tesla have such roles.
    Find Engineering Designer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

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

Sunnyvale, CA, offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Among these, roles such as Line Cook and Server Assistant stand out, with average salaries reaching up to $46,529 and $42,637, respectively. These positions provide excellent opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the workforce without a degree while still earning a competitive income. Additionally, jobs like Dishwasher and Barista also offer attractive salaries, with averages around $42,239 and $41,713. These roles are accessible and can serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying positions. Other notable positions include Service Team Member, Server, Groundskeeper, Kitchen Team Member, and Housekeeping, all of which provide stable and rewarding career paths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $46,529 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $38,223.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $46,529
    This role involves preparing food in fast-paced kitchens. It requires teamwork and attention to detail. Many local restaurants offer this opportunity.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $42,637
    Support servers by taking orders and serving food. This job is great for those who enjoy interacting with customers. Many cafes and restaurants need assistants.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $42,239
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. This role is essential for keeping the kitchen running smoothly. Many local eateries are looking for reliable dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $41,713
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. This job requires a friendly attitude and quick service. Many coffee shops in the area offer barista positions.
    Find Barista jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,416
    Provide excellent customer service in various settings. This role is ideal for those who enjoy helping others. Many businesses need dedicated service team members.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $41,250
    Take orders and serve food to customers. This job requires good communication skills. Many restaurants and cafes offer server positions.
    Find Server jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $40,734
    Maintain the grounds of properties. This role involves outdoor work and requires physical stamina. Many local businesses need groundskeepers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,596
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen duties. This job requires teamwork and attention to detail. Many local restaurants offer kitchen team member positions.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $38,223
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or other facilities. This role requires attention to detail and a clean work ethic. Many hotels need housekeeping staff.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, is home to some of the highest-paying companies in the tech and retail sectors. Google leads with an average salary of $210,324, followed closely by Apple at $208,001. DoorDash and Uber also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $203,914 and $191,416, respectively. Other notable companies include Illumio, Walmart, Synopsys, Sam's Club, SpaceX, and Fortinet. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, with average salaries ranging from $189,288 to $166,320. Job seekers in Sunnyvale can find excellent opportunities with these companies, which are known for their strong financial support and benefits.
Graph displaying company salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Google with the highest at $210,324 and Fortinet with the lowest at $166,320.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $210,324
    Google is a global technology company known for its innovative products and services. It offers a wide range of job opportunities in tech, marketing, and more.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,001
    Apple designs and manufactures consumer electronics, software, and online services. It is a leading company in the tech industry.


  3. DoorDash
    Average Salary: $203,914
    DoorDash is a food delivery service that connects customers with local restaurants. It offers various roles in tech, operations, and customer service.


  4. Uber
    Average Salary: $191,416
    Uber is a ride-sharing platform that provides transportation services. It offers jobs in software development, data analysis, and more.


  5. Illumio
    Average Salary: $189,288
    Illumio specializes in micro-segmentation security solutions. It provides opportunities in cybersecurity, software engineering, and sales.


  6. Walmart
    Average Salary: $188,673
    Walmart is a global retail corporation. It offers a variety of positions in retail, logistics, and technology.


  7. Synopsys
    Average Salary: $188,319
    Synopsys provides software for semiconductor design and manufacturing. It offers roles in software engineering, quality assurance, and more.


  8. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $183,018
    Sam's Club is a membership-based warehouse club. It offers jobs in retail, logistics, and management.


  9. SpaceX
    Average Salary: $173,354
    SpaceX is a space technology company. It offers exciting roles in aerospace engineering, software development, and mission operations.


  10. Fortinet
    Average Salary: $166,320
    Fortinet provides cybersecurity solutions. It offers positions in software engineering, sales, and technical support.

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 180, which is 80% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by the housing index, which is 250% higher than the average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, and healthcare also show significant increases, making Sunnyvale a more expensive place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for Sunnyvale, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 250% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 50% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

Sunnyvale, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing index in Sunnyvale stands at 350, indicating that housing costs are 250% higher than the national average. This significant increase reflects the high demand for housing in the tech-centric area, driven by the presence of major companies and a desirable living environment.


Other expenses in Sunnyvale also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 30% more, with an index of 130. Utilities also show a 20% increase, with an index of 120. Transportation costs are 10% higher, at 110. Healthcare costs are 50% above average, with an index of 150. Miscellaneous expenses, including entertainment and personal care, are 40% higher, with an index of 140. These figures highlight the overall higher expenses that job seekers and residents in Sunnyvale face compared to the rest of the country.

There are 2,104 job openings in Sunnyvale, CA, today!

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Sunnyvale, CA
2,104 Job Openings

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