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Salaries in Sunnyvale, CA

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
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What is the average salary in Sunnyvale, CA?

The average salary in Sunnyvale, CA is $147,180 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $147,180 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $12,265 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $2,830 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $71 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Sunnyvale, CA, offers a competitive job market with attractive salaries. The average yearly salary in Sunnyvale stands at $147,180. This makes it a desirable location for job seekers looking for good compensation. Salaries range from $40,000 to $274,500, providing a variety of opportunities for different skill levels and industries.


Some of the highest-paying sectors include technology, healthcare, and finance. These industries offer salaries that often exceed the average. For example, tech companies in Sunnyvale are known for offering some of the highest wages, with many professionals earning over $189,000 per year. Healthcare and finance also provide well-paying positions, with many roles offering competitive compensation packages. This diversity in high-paying sectors makes Sunnyvale an attractive place for job seekers.

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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, offers some of the best-paying job opportunities across several high-demand fields. Principal Engineers, Solutions Architects, and Staff Engineers lead the pack with annual salaries often exceeding $200,000. These roles require specialized skills and experience, making them highly lucrative for qualified candidates. Other high-paying positions include Test Automation Engineers, Wireless Engineers, and Machine Learning Engineers. These jobs also command competitive salaries, reflecting the technical expertise and innovation needed in these roles. Sunnyvale's tech-centric environment provides a strong market for these skilled professionals, ensuring both job security and financial rewards.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $230,357 and Integration Engineer with the lowest at $197,989.

  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $230,357
    This role involves leading engineering teams. Companies like Apple and Intel seek individuals to drive technical excellence. They focus on solving complex challenges.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Principal
    Average Salary: $213,637
    Working in this role means overseeing projects. Many finance and tech firms in Sunnyvale hire these professionals. They ensure projects meet goals and timelines.
    Find Principal jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $212,097
    Solutions architects design technical solutions for companies. Tech giants like Cisco and Oracle look for these experts. They bridge the gap between business needs and technology.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $209,686
    These engineers lead technical teams and projects. Companies such as Tesla and VMware seek these professionals. They focus on developing and implementing new technologies.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Test Automation Engineer
    Average Salary: $207,726
    This role involves creating and maintaining automated tests. Many tech companies require these specialists. They ensure software quality and efficiency.
    Find Test Automation Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $206,395
    Wireless engineers design and test wireless systems. Companies like Qualcomm and Cisco look for these experts. They focus on improving wireless communication technologies.
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  7. Architect
    Average Salary: $204,026
    Architects design buildings and structures. Many architecture firms and construction companies in Sunnyvale need these professionals. They ensure that designs are functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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  8. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $201,571
    These engineers develop machine learning models. Tech companies such as Apple and Google seek these specialists. They focus on improving data processing and decision-making algorithms.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $200,951
    Firmware engineers write software for devices. Many tech firms in Sunnyvale require these experts. They ensure that devices function correctly and efficiently.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $197,989
    These engineers focus on integrating systems and software. Companies like Cisco and VMware look for these professionals. They ensure different systems work together seamlessly.
    Find Integration Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

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

Sunnyvale, CA offers several high-paying job opportunities that do not require a college degree. With the right skills and experience, you can find rewarding work in the city. Positions such as line cook, dishwasher, and server assistant provide above-average salaries with potential for growth. These jobs attract skilled workers who value flexibility and the chance to earn a good living. For example, line cooks often earn over $48,000 a year, while dishwashers and server assistants can make around $44,000 and $43,000, respectively. These roles allow you to start earning well quickly and move up as you gain experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $48,676 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $39,231.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $48,676
    Create delicious meals in fast-paced kitchens. Work alongside chefs to prepare ingredients. Restaurants like Din Tai Fung serve unique dishes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $44,437
    Clean dishes and utensils quickly and efficiently. Ensure a clean and safe kitchen. Great for those who like steady work. Cafes like Starbucks need reliable dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,138
    Help servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. Ensure guests have what they need. Busy restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory value fast, friendly helpers.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,881
    Make coffee drinks and other beverages. Interact with customers to provide a pleasant experience. Coffee shops like Peet's Coffee create a welcoming atmosphere.
    Find Barista jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,843
    Serve food and beverages to guests. Ensure a clean dining area. Work in lively environments. Companies like Panera Bread offer opportunities to grow in a dynamic setting.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $42,445
    Take orders and serve food to customers. Provide excellent service and recommendations. Great for those who enjoy social interaction. Fine dining restaurants look for friendly servers.
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  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $42,088
    Maintain the grounds of buildings and parks. Perform tasks like mowing lawns and trimming trees. Public spaces and companies need skilled groundskeepers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,372
    Assist in meal preparation and cooking. Ensure a clean workspace. Ideal for those who enjoy teamwork. Eateries like Chipotle need dedicated kitchen staff.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,231
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or offices. Ensure a comfortable environment for guests. Ideal for those who take pride in a clean space. Hotels like Hilton seek reliable housekeeping staff.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, California, is home to some of the best-paying companies in the tech industry. Apple leads with an average salary of $208,614, making it one of the top choices for job seekers. Google and CRUSOE also offer competitive average salaries of $206,108 and $202,725, respectively, providing excellent career opportunities for those looking for high compensation. In addition to Apple, companies like Uber, Walmart, and Synopsys provide attractive salary packages, with Uber at $195,255 and Walmart at $190,896. Other notable companies include Amazon Web Services and Applied Intuition, offering average salaries of $189,077 and $187,877, respectively. Job seekers can explore these companies for rewarding career prospects in Sunnyvale.
Graph displaying company salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Apple with the highest at $208,614 and Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE with the lowest at $180,335.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,614
    Apple is a global technology leader, known for innovative products like the iPhone and Mac computers.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $206,108
    Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., offers a wide range of internet services and products.


  3. CRUSOE
    Average Salary: $202,725
    CRUSOE is a tech company focused on developing advanced software solutions.


  4. Uber
    Average Salary: $195,255
    Uber is a ride-sharing service that connects riders with drivers for convenient transportation.


  5. Walmart
    Average Salary: $190,896
    Walmart is a global retail giant, known for offering a wide range of products at competitive prices.


  6. Synopsys
    Average Salary: $190,881
    Synopsys provides software solutions for the design, verification, and manufacturing of semiconductors.


  7. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $189,077
    Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers cloud computing platforms and APIs to companies worldwide.


  8. Applied Intuition
    Average Salary: $187,877
    Applied Intuition develops software for autonomous vehicles, working to enhance vehicle safety.


  9. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $186,017
    Sam's Club is a membership-based retail warehouse club, offering bulk items and more.


  10. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $180,335
    HPE provides technology solutions and services for enterprises, including servers and storage systems.

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, with an index of 163. This means that the cost of living in Sunnyvale is 63% higher than the average cost of living in the U.S. This increased cost is particularly noticeable in housing, where the index stands at 236, suggesting that housing expenses alone are more than twice the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Sunnyvale, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 136% higher, groceries 42% higher, utilities 9% higher, transportation 24% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 29% higher.

The cost of living in Sunnyvale, California, stands significantly higher than the nationwide average. Specifically, housing costs in Sunnyvale are 136% of the national average. This elevated cost stems from the high demand for residential properties in the tech-rich area. As housing is a primary expense for most households, this factor alone heavily influences the overall cost of living in the city.


Sunnyvale's grocery costs also exceed the average, at 142% of the national rate. This increase is due to the premium on fresh and organic produce, which is often more expensive than in less affluent areas. Transportation costs, though also above average at 124%, provide some relief as they do not surge as dramatically as housing and groceries. Utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also show increases but are comparatively more moderate, with percentages of 109%, 115%, and 129%, respectively. Overall, while Sunnyvale offers a high quality of life, job seekers must consider these financial factors when planning their move.

There are 1,741 job openings in Sunnyvale, CA, today!

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Sunnyvale, CA
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