Overview Salaries

Salaries in Sunnyvale, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Sunnyvale, CA?

The average salary in Sunnyvale, CA is $144,953 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $144,953 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $12,079 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $2,788 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $70 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Sunnyvale, CA offers competitive salaries across various industries, making it an attractive place for job seekers. The average yearly salary in Sunnyvale stands at $144,953. This figure highlights the strong earning potential available in the area. Several key sectors contribute to these impressive salary numbers, including technology, healthcare, and finance.

A closer look at the salary distribution reveals that the highest-paying jobs are often in technology and finance, with many professionals earning over $188,000 annually. Other well-compensated roles are in engineering, scientific research, and healthcare. Job seekers can expect a range of opportunities with salaries that reflect the high demand for skilled workers in these industries. Employers in Sunnyvale value talent and often provide generous compensation packages to attract and retain top professionals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, offers several high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Top jobs include Principal Engineer, Test Automation Engineer, and Solutions Architect, with average salaries reaching over $200,000 annually. These positions demand expertise and advanced skills, making them rewarding career choices. Engineers and tech specialists can find excellent prospects in roles such as Wireless Engineer, Staff Engineer, and Firmware Engineer. Each of these jobs pays well and requires a deep understanding of technology and engineering principles. Sunnyvale's vibrant tech industry supports these high salaries, attracting top talent to the area.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $224,424 and Integration Engineer with the lowest at $196,878.

  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $224,424
    Lead the engineering team to design and implement technology solutions. Work with companies like Cisco and Intel. This role demands strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Test Automation Engineer
    Average Salary: $208,594
    Develop and maintain automated test systems for software applications. Collaborate with tech giants such as Apple and Google. Attention to detail is key for this position.
    Find Test Automation Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $206,544
    Design and implement IT solutions for business needs. Partner with companies like VMware and Oracle. A strong understanding of both business and technical requirements is essential.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $205,519
    Focus on the design and implementation of wireless network systems. Work with companies like Qualcomm and Broadcom. Expertise in radio frequency and signal processing is important.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Architect
    Average Salary: $205,491
    Design and oversee the construction of buildings and structures. Collaborate with firms like Wilson Sonsini and Perkins+Will. This role involves creativity and adherence to building regulations.
    Find Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $203,831
    Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the engineering team. Work with companies like Xilinx and Synopsys. Strong communication and leadership skills are required.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $201,421
    Develop and maintain software embedded in hardware devices. Partner with companies like AMD and Marvell. This role requires expertise in embedded systems and programming languages.
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  8. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $200,936
    Build and deploy machine learning models to solve complex problems. Work with companies like Tesla and Google. Strong mathematical and programming skills are necessary.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Product Designer
    Average Salary: $198,511
    Create user-friendly products and interfaces. Collaborate with companies like Adobe and Dropbox. This role demands creativity and an understanding of user needs.
    Find Product Designer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $196,878
    Integrate different software systems to work together seamlessly. Work with companies like Salesforce and Splunk. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required.
    Find Integration Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

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

Sunny Sunnyvale, CA offers a variety of top-paying job opportunities for those without a college degree. Skilled workers can find good earnings in roles such as line cooks, dishwashers, and server assistants. These positions provide a competitive salary and valuable experience in a vibrant industry. Sunnyvale, CA, also offers rewarding careers in service and hospitality. Positions like baristas, servers, and housekeeping staff pay well and require no degree. These jobs allow individuals to earn a solid income while gaining experience in a bustling field. Each role provides the chance to build a career with good earnings and growth opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $47,866 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $37,743.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $47,866
    Line cooks work in fast-paced environments, preparing meals quickly. They often work in local restaurants and hotels, like Hilton or Marriott. This job provides hands-on experience and teamwork skills.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $43,247
    Dishwashers clean dishes and utensils in restaurants. They play a key role in keeping dining areas tidy. This job can be found in various eateries, from cafes to fine dining spots.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,069
    Server assistants help servers with tasks like seating guests and refilling drinks. They are essential in busy dining areas. These roles are common in chain restaurants and local bistros.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,645
    Service team members assist in various restaurant tasks. They serve as the first point of contact for customers. This position is available in casual dining and fast-food restaurants.
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  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,572
    Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They work in coffee shops, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Starbucks and other local coffee shops offer these positions.
    Find Barista jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $41,570
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They need strong communication skills. This job is available in many restaurants, from casual to upscale dining.
    Find Server jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $40,734
    Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of properties. They ensure lawns and gardens look their best. This role is often found in parks, hotels, and residential communities.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,390
    Kitchen team members assist in food preparation and cooking. They work in busy kitchens, ensuring meals are ready on time. This job is common in restaurants and hotels.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,743
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. They ensure a clean and comfortable environment for guests. This job is available in various accommodations.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, California, is home to many top-paying companies, offering competitive salaries across various industries. Leading the pack is Apple, followed closely by Google and CRUSOE. These companies offer average salaries well above the local average, making them attractive options for job seekers. Among these employers, Apple stands out with an average salary of $208,709. Google and CRUSOE also provide high compensation, with average salaries of $206,761 and $204,208, respectively. Other notable companies include Uber, Synopsys, and Amazon Web Services, all offering salaries above $180,000 on average. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, Sunnyvale has many great opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Apple with the highest at $208,709 and SpaceX with the lowest at $175,665.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,709
    Apple is a global tech leader known for its innovative products. They offer competitive salaries and a dynamic work environment.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $206,761
    Google is a top player in internet services. It provides a collaborative environment and high-paying jobs for its employees.


  3. CRUSOE
    Average Salary: $204,208
    CRUSOE is a software company with a focus on innovation. They offer attractive salaries and opportunities for professional growth.


  4. Uber
    Average Salary: $193,041
    Uber is a global ride-sharing platform. It provides a fast-paced work environment and competitive compensation.


  5. Synopsys
    Average Salary: $191,840
    Synopsys is a software integrity company. It offers a variety of benefits and a strong culture of innovation.


  6. Walmart
    Average Salary: $190,811
    Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world. It provides a wide range of opportunities across various roles.


  7. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $189,752
    Amazon Web Services is a cloud computing platform. It offers competitive pay and numerous career advancement opportunities.


  8. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $186,994
    Sam's Club is a membership-only retail warehouse club. It provides a supportive environment with good compensation.


  9. Illumio
    Average Salary: $178,728
    Illumio specializes in cybersecurity solutions. They offer attractive salaries and a focus on employee well-being.


  10. SpaceX
    Average Salary: $175,665
    SpaceX is a leader in space technology. It provides challenging roles with competitive salaries.

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

Sunnyvale, CA, has a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index stands at 197.5, surpassing the national average of 100 by 97.5%. This means that residents of Sunnyvale can expect to spend almost double the amount required to maintain a similar standard of living elsewhere in the U.S. Breakdown-wise, the cost for housing in Sunnyvale reaches 300, which is triple the national average. Other categories, such as groceries and utilities, also show elevated costs, but not as dramatically as housing. Job seekers considering Sunnyvale should factor these higher expenses into their relocation plans.
Cost of living comparison graph for Sunnyvale, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 200% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 40% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

Sunnyvale, CA, has a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with the Housing index leading the way. Housing costs in Sunnyvale are approximately 200% higher than the national average, making it a major factor in the overall cost of living. This means that expenses related to housing in Sunnyvale are more than double what someone might expect to pay in an average U.S. city.


While housing costs are the highest, other areas also exceed the national average. Groceries in Sunnyvale cost 20% more, and Utilities are about 10% higher. Transportation and Healthcare costs are 30% and 40% above the national average, respectively. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are also 15% higher. Together, these factors contribute to the overall cost of living in Sunnyvale being notably above the national average, impacting various aspects of daily life.

There are 1,742 job openings in Sunnyvale, CA, today!

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Sunnyvale, CA
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