Overview Salaries

Salaries in Sunnyvale, CA

Updated on Sep 14, 2026
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What is the average salary in Sunnyvale, CA?

The average salary in Sunnyvale, CA is $143,907 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $143,907 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $11,992 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $2,767 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $69 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Sunnyvale, CA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $143,907. This figure reflects the strong economic environment in the region.


Different sectors contribute to the diversity of salary levels. For instance, technology jobs typically offer salaries ranging from $106,000 to $282,000 annually. The distribution shows that many jobs fall within this range, with a noticeable percentage of high-paying positions. Below is a snapshot of the salary breakdown:

  • 18.81% of jobs pay between $40,000 and $62,000
  • 7.02% of jobs pay between $62,000 and $84,000
  • 5.93% of jobs pay between $84,000 and $106,000
  • 6.85% of jobs pay between $106,000 and $128,000
  • 6.84% of jobs pay between $128,000 and $150,000
  • 9.51% of jobs pay between $150,000 and $172,000
  • 13.53% of jobs pay between $172,000 and $194,000
  • 13.53% of jobs pay between $194,000 and $216,000
  • 5.29% of jobs pay between $216,000 and $238,000
  • 5.33% of jobs pay between $238,000 and $260,000
  • 2.36% of jobs pay between $260,000 and $282,000
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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, offers some of the top-paying job opportunities in various sectors. Principal Engineers and Staff Engineers lead the list with average salaries around $241,200 and $219,700 respectively. These roles demand high-level technical skills and experience, making them highly lucrative. Sunnyvale is home to tech giants, which fuels the demand for specialized roles in engineering, product management, and communications. Other high-paying positions include Principal roles, Architects, and Communications Managers. These jobs often require advanced degrees and years of experience, but they offer competitive compensation packages. Wireless Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, and Product Managers also see attractive salaries due to the critical nature of their work. Sunnyvale’s tech-driven economy provides excellent opportunities for skilled professionals to earn well.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $241,203 and Product Manager with the lowest at $205,145.

  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $241,203
    Work at tech giants shaping the future of tech. Companies like Intel and Apple offer cutting-edge projects. Innovation thrives here, pushing the limits of technology.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $219,717
    Drive complex projects for leading tech firms. Companies such as Google and Tesla value deep technical expertise. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful solutions.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Principal
    Average Salary: $216,680
    Lead and mentor teams in tech companies. Firms like Oracle and VMWare need strong leaders. Foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
    Find Principal jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Architect
    Average Salary: $215,369
    Design software solutions for major tech firms. Companies such as Cisco and Adobe look for skilled architects. Focus on creating efficient, scalable systems.
    Find Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Communications Manager
    Average Salary: $215,117
    Manage PR and marketing for top-tier tech companies. Firms like LinkedIn and eBay need strategic communicators. Craft messages that resonate with audiences.
    Find Communications Manager jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $208,230
    Develop wireless communication systems for leading tech firms. Companies like Qualcomm and Cisco value expertise in this field. Ensure reliable and efficient communication networks.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $207,477
    Build and optimize ML models for tech giants. Firms like Google and IBM look for skilled engineers. Drive innovation through data-driven solutions.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $206,672
    Ensure seamless integration of systems for top companies. Firms like Intel and Microsoft need reliable integration solutions. Focus on creating efficient and effective workflows.
    Find Integration Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Test Automation Engineer
    Average Salary: $205,630
    Develop automated testing solutions for leading tech companies. Firms like Apple and eBay value robust testing frameworks. Ensure software reliability and performance.
    Find Test Automation Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $205,145
    Lead product development for tech companies. Firms like Salesforce and Oracle need strategic thinkers. Drive product vision and ensure market success.
    Find Product Manager 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. Among the best-paying roles are positions such as Line Cooks, who can earn an average of $48,788 annually. These jobs provide good pay and a chance to work in a dynamic industry. In addition, roles like Dishwashers and Service Team Members also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $44,964 and $44,297, respectively. These jobs provide a steady income and the chance to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment. Job seekers can find promising career paths in these areas without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $48,788 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $40,966.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $48,788
    This role involves preparing meals quickly in a fast-paced kitchen. With local restaurants and eateries, you can learn the ropes of culinary arts. Companies like Sizzler and Pei Wei offer growth opportunities.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $44,964
    Dishwasher positions keep the kitchen running smoothly. Washing dishes and utensils helps maintain a clean environment. At restaurants such as Panda Express and Chipotle, you’ll work as part of a dedicated team.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,297
    Helping customers in retail stores can be a rewarding job. You’ll stock shelves and assist shoppers. Companies like Target and Walmart provide training and room for advancement.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,573
    Server assistants support front-of-house operations. You’ll help servers manage tables and ensure a smooth dining experience. Working with local chains such as Chili's and Applebee's offers practical experience.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $43,350
    Creating coffee and other beverages for customers is a key duty. You’ll work in coffee shops and chains, making sure drinks are made to perfection. Companies like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee offer friendly work environments.
    Find Barista jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $42,957
    Serving customers means taking orders and providing excellent service. You’ll work in various dining settings. At places like The Cheesecake Factory and Red Lobster, you’ll interact with guests daily.
    Find Server jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,966
    Keeping rooms clean and tidy is a vital task. This role ensures guests have a comfortable stay. Hotels such as Marriott and Hilton offer training and support for housekeeping staff.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, hosts some of the best-paying companies in the tech and automotive industries. Kilopass, which is now part of Synopsys, leads with an average salary of $209,345. Following closely, Apple and Google offer competitive average salaries of $209,001 and $205,864, respectively. Other top-paying companies in Sunnyvale include Crusoe and Uber, offering average salaries of $204,548 and $197,494, respectively. General Motors, Walmart, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) also provide attractive compensation packages, with average salaries around $197,443, $193,245, and $189,235. Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Sam's Club round out the list, both offering average salaries above $188,000. These companies present strong opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding career paths.
Graph displaying company salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Kilopass (is now a part of Synopsys) with the highest at $209,345 and Sam's Club with the lowest at $187,294.

  1. Kilopass (is now a part of Synopsys)
    Average Salary: $209,345
    Kilopass, now part of Synopsys, offers cutting-edge technology solutions. They focus on creating tools that enhance software development and testing.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $209,001
    Apple leads in consumer electronics, software, and online services. Known for innovative products, Apple offers a dynamic work environment.


  3. Google
    Average Salary: $205,864
    Google excels in internet-related services and products. They innovate in search, advertising, and cloud computing, offering competitive salaries.


  4. Crusoe
    Average Salary: $204,548
    Crusoe specializes in technology solutions. They develop advanced tools and systems, providing employees with high-quality compensation.


  5. Uber
    Average Salary: $197,494
    Uber connects riders with drivers. They offer a flexible work environment with a focus on mobility and technology.


  6. General Motors
    Average Salary: $197,443
    General Motors manufactures and sells cars and vehicles. They provide a stable work environment with comprehensive benefits.


  7. Walmart
    Average Salary: $193,245
    Walmart offers a wide range of products. They provide various career opportunities in retail and corporate settings.


  8. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Average Salary: $189,235
    AWS offers cloud computing services. They innovate in the tech industry and provide high salaries for their employees.


  9. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
    Average Salary: $188,566
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides technology solutions and services. They focus on enterprise solutions and offer competitive salaries.


  10. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $187,294
    Sam's Club offers membership-based warehouse club services. They provide a range of products and services with a focus on value.

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

Sunnyvale, CA, has a significantly higher cost of living index compared to the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs are notably 180% higher, with an index of 280. Other expenses, such as groceries and transportation, also exceed the national average, though to a lesser extent.
Cost of living comparison graph for Sunnyvale, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 180% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

Sunnyvale, California, stands out with a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Sunnyvale reaches a notable 280, which is 180% higher than the national average of 100. This steep increase highlights the primary factor driving up the overall cost of living in the city.


In addition to housing, other essential expenses also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 30% more, with an index of 130, while transportation is 30% higher at 130. Utilities in Sunnyvale are slightly above average, at 110, representing a 10% increase. Healthcare costs are at 120, which is a 20% increase, and miscellaneous expenses also show a 40% rise at 140. These factors collectively paint a picture of the elevated expenses job seekers might face when considering a move to Sunnyvale.

There are 1,069 job openings in Sunnyvale, CA, today!

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Sunnyvale, CA
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