Overview Salaries

Salaries in Sunnyvale, CA

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

The average salary in Sunnyvale, CA is $147,175 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $147,175 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 range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $147,175, reflecting the competitive nature of the local job market. Many professionals find rewarding positions with salaries that align well with the cost of living.

Salaries in Sunnyvale span a broad spectrum, with the following distribution: 17.59% earn around $40,000, 6.65% make about $62,000, and 5.51% earn approximately $84,000. As you move up the scale, 6.28% of workers receive around $106,000, while 7.08% make about $128,000. A significant portion, 10.21%, earn approximately $150,000, with 13.85% making about $172,000. Another 14.25% receive around $194,000, and 5.24% earn about $216,000. Fewer workers, at 5.94%, make around $238,000, and only 2.40% reach the top with salaries close to $260,000.

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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, offers some of the highest paying job opportunities, particularly in tech and engineering fields. Principal Engineers, Solution Architects, and Staff Engineers top the list with average salaries well over $200,000. These positions demand high levels of expertise and responsibility, reflecting the area's strong tech industry presence. Other high-paying roles include Wireless Engineers, Test Automation Engineers, and Machine Learning Engineers, all earning above $200,000 on average. These jobs require specialized skills and contribute to the cutting-edge innovations in the region. Sunnyvale's job market rewards professionals with advanced degrees and significant experience, making it a prime location for high earners in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $237,719 and Product Manager with the lowest at $198,732.

  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $237,719
    Principal Engineers in Sunnyvale develop and lead complex software systems. They work with companies like Intel and Cisco to ensure products meet high standards. Their role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Principal
    Average Salary: $219,453
    Principals in Sunnyvale manage and guide teams to achieve company goals. They often work at firms like VMware and Apple. Their duties include strategic planning and performance evaluation.
    Find Principal jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $214,882
    Solutions Architects in Sunnyvale design and implement technical solutions. They collaborate with companies like Oracle and Adobe. Their role involves understanding client needs and delivering effective solutions.
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  4. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $212,179
    Staff Engineers in Sunnyvale work on critical software projects. They often collaborate with companies such as Google and Tesla. Their tasks involve coding, debugging, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
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  5. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $207,469
    Wireless Engineers in Sunnyvale design and optimize wireless communication systems. They work for companies like Qualcomm and Cisco. Their role includes testing and improving wireless networks.
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  6. Test Automation Engineer
    Average Salary: $206,091
    Test Automation Engineers in Sunnyvale develop automated testing frameworks. They work with companies like Oracle and Adobe. Their role involves writing scripts and ensuring software quality.
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  7. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $203,879
    Machine Learning Engineers in Sunnyvale build and deploy machine learning models. They often work at firms like Google and Tesla. Their role involves analyzing data and improving algorithms.
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  8. Architect
    Average Salary: $203,401
    Architects in Sunnyvale design buildings and structures. They collaborate with firms like Apple and Intel. Their work involves creating plans and overseeing construction projects.
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  9. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $201,410
    Integration Engineers in Sunnyvale work on integrating various software systems. They often work for companies like VMware and Adobe. Their role involves testing and ensuring seamless system operations.
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  10. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $198,732
    Product Managers in Sunnyvale oversee the development and success of products. They work with firms like Oracle and Apple. Their duties include market research, product planning, and team coordination.
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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree?

Sunnyvale, CA, offers several opportunities for those seeking top-paying jobs without a college degree. Line cooks earn the highest average salary, making this a lucrative path for those with culinary skills. Other roles like dishwashers, service team members, and baristas also provide competitive wages, offering various paths for those entering the workforce. These positions typically demand strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. They often provide the chance to work in bustling environments, gaining valuable experience and skills. With these jobs, individuals can enjoy a rewarding career while achieving a stable income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $49,277 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $39,532.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $49,277
    In a bustling kitchen, the line cook prepares food quickly and efficiently. The cook works in fast-paced settings such as local cafes and popular chain restaurants. This role often involves teamwork to meet customer demands.
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  2. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $44,963
    The dishwasher works in restaurants and cafes, cleaning dishes and utensils. This person keeps the kitchen running smoothly. The job involves handling dirty dishes and maintaining cleanliness.
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  3. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,854
    This role involves welcoming customers and ensuring they have a great experience. The service team member takes orders and serves food and drinks. They work in various eateries, including cafes and popular food chains.
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  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $43,474
    The barista makes coffee and other drinks for customers in cafes. The barista learns to create a variety of beverages and sometimes prepares light snacks. This job requires attention to detail and customer service skills.
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  5. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,142
    This person helps servers by setting tables and cleaning up after customers. They often refill drinks and manage the dining area. Working in dining rooms, these assistants ensure a smooth dining experience.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $42,721
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. They interact with guests and ensure their needs are met. This role requires good communication and customer service skills.
    Find Server jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,638
    Working behind the scenes, the kitchen team member helps prepare meals. They assist cooks and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. This job is found in various types of dining establishments.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,532
    Housekeepers clean and maintain guest rooms in hotels and motels. They ensure rooms are tidy and welcoming. This role involves attention to detail and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Sunnyvale, CA?

Job seekers in Sunnyvale, CA, can find attractive salary offers at several top companies. Apple leads the list with an average salary of $208,804, followed closely by Google at $205,857. CRUSOE and Synopsys also provide competitive salaries, making these companies excellent choices for those seeking higher compensation. Sunnyvale, CA, hosts several companies that pay well. Uber offers an average salary of $195,948, while Amazon Web Services and Walmart provide salaries around $188,945 and $191,635, respectively. Other companies like Sam's Club, Applied Intuition, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE also offer strong compensation packages for their employees.
Graph displaying company salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Apple with the highest at $208,804 and Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE with the lowest at $186,123.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,804
    Apple is a global leader in technology, known for its innovative products like the iPhone and MacBook. Working at Apple offers a chance to contribute to cutting-edge technology.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $205,857
    Google is a top company in the tech industry, famous for its search engine and many other services. Employees get to work on some of the most exciting projects in the world.


  3. CRUSOE
    Average Salary: $203,465
    CRUSOE is a company that makes tools for software development. It is known for its quality and innovation in this area.


  4. Synopsys
    Average Salary: $202,476
    Synopsys provides software solutions for the semiconductor industry. Employees work on critical software that helps make technology better.


  5. Uber
    Average Salary: $195,948
    Uber is a ride-sharing company that has changed the way people travel. It offers a dynamic work environment and many opportunities for growth.


  6. Walmart
    Average Salary: $191,635
    Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world. It offers many career opportunities across various sectors, from retail to technology.


  7. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $188,945
    Amazon Web Services provides cloud computing solutions. It is a branch of Amazon and offers exciting opportunities in the tech field.


  8. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $187,253
    Sam's Club is a warehouse club that offers bulk goods and more. It is part of Walmart and offers many career opportunities.


  9. Applied Intuition
    Average Salary: $186,375
    Applied Intuition is a company focused on autonomous vehicles. It is a growing field with many opportunities for innovation.


  10. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $186,123
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides technology solutions for businesses. It is known for its quality and innovation in tech.

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

The cost of living in Sunnyvale, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Sunnyvale stands at 162, which is 62% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are particularly high, at 284, which is 184% of the national average. The expenses for groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also surpass the national average by 34%, 13%, 30%, 16%, and 28%, respectively. This makes Sunnyvale an expensive place to live, especially when considering housing and groceries.
Cost of living comparison graph for Sunnyvale, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 184% higher, groceries 34% higher, utilities 13% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 16% higher, miscellaneous 28% higher.

Sunnyvale, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which stands at 100. The housing index in Sunnyvale reaches 284, which is significantly above average. This means that housing costs are nearly three times higher than the national average. For job seekers considering Sunnyvale, this could greatly impact their budget, especially if they are planning to rent or buy a home.


In addition to housing, other expenses in Sunnyvale also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 34% more, with an index of 134. Utilities are 13% higher, and transportation costs 30% more than the national average. Even though healthcare and miscellaneous costs are slightly above average, they still add to the overall higher cost of living. These increases suggest that relocating to Sunnyvale may require careful financial planning.

There are 1,064 job openings in Sunnyvale, CA, today!

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Sunnyvale, CA
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