Salaries in Sunnyvale, CA
What is the average salary in Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Sunnyvale is around $128,343. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in the tech-driven economy. Companies in the area often provide competitive pay to attract top talent.
Some of the highest-paying jobs in Sunnyvale include software engineers, data scientists, and IT managers. These roles often come with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Other well-compensated positions include financial managers, marketing directors, and healthcare administrators. The tech industry, in particular, stands out for its generous compensation packages, including bonuses and stock options. Job seekers in Sunnyvale can expect attractive salary prospects, especially in specialized fields.
What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

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Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $202,441
This role involves designing and developing systems. It requires strong technical skills and leadership. Companies like Apple and Tesla offer such positions.
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Wireless Engineer
Average Salary: $201,772
This role focuses on designing and testing wireless communication systems. It requires a deep understanding of wireless technologies. Companies like Cisco and Qualcomm hire for these roles.
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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $195,885
This role involves creating and implementing machine learning models. It requires strong programming skills and knowledge of data science. Companies like Google and Microsoft offer these positions.
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Architect
Average Salary: $194,285
This role involves designing and overseeing the construction of buildings. It requires creativity and attention to detail. Companies like Gensler and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill hire architects.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $193,991
This role involves designing and implementing IT solutions. It requires strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Companies like IBM and Oracle hire for these roles.
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Firmware Engineer
Average Salary: $192,931
This role involves designing and developing firmware for electronic devices. It requires a deep understanding of embedded systems. Companies like Intel and Qualcomm hire firmware engineers.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $191,597
This role involves leading and mentoring a team of engineers. It requires strong leadership skills and technical expertise. Companies like Google and Apple offer these positions.
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Integration Engineer
Average Salary: $190,922
This role involves designing and implementing integration solutions. It requires strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Companies like Cisco and Oracle hire integration engineers.
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Engineering Designer
Average Salary: $188,872
This role involves designing and developing products. It requires creativity and attention to detail. Companies like Apple and Tesla hire engineering designers.
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Product Manager
Average Salary: $186,199
This role involves overseeing the development and launch of products. It requires strong leadership skills and knowledge of the market. Companies like Google and Microsoft hire product managers.
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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree?

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Line Cook
Average Salary: $45,999
This role involves preparing food in a fast-paced kitchen. It requires teamwork and attention to detail. Many restaurants in the area offer this opportunity.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $41,968
Dishwasher duties include cleaning dishes and maintaining a clean kitchen. This job is essential for the smooth operation of any dining establishment. Many local eateries need dependable dishwashers.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $41,503
Server assistants help servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. This role is great for those who enjoy interacting with customers. Many restaurants in the area offer this position.
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Barista
Average Salary: $41,423
Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They need to be quick and friendly. Many cafes in the area offer this job.
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Server
Average Salary: $41,076
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They need good communication skills. Many restaurants in the area offer this role.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $40,734
Groundskeepers maintain the outdoor areas of properties. They need to be reliable and detail-oriented. Many companies in the area need skilled groundskeepers.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $39,744
Service team members assist customers in various ways. They need to be friendly and helpful. Many businesses in the area offer this position.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $37,909
Kitchen team members help with food preparation and kitchen tasks. They need to be organized and hardworking. Many restaurants in the area offer this job.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $37,567
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms. They need to be thorough and detail-oriented. Many hotels and resorts in the area offer this role.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Sunnyvale, CA?

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Apple
Average Salary: $206,659
Apple is a tech giant known for its innovative products. It offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.
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DoorDash
Average Salary: $199,284
DoorDash is a leading food delivery service. It provides a good salary and opportunities for growth in the tech industry.
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Uber
Average Salary: $189,804
Uber is a global ride-sharing company. It offers a high salary and a chance to work on cutting-edge technology.
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Walmart
Average Salary: $188,059
Walmart is a retail giant. It offers a solid salary and various career opportunities in technology and logistics.
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Sam's Club
Average Salary: $182,018
Sam's Club is a membership-based warehouse club. It provides a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.
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Illumio
Average Salary: $181,911
Illumio specializes in cybersecurity. It offers a good salary and a chance to work on important security projects.
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SpaceX
Average Salary: $173,863
SpaceX is a leader in space technology. It offers a high salary and the chance to work on groundbreaking missions.
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Fortinet
Average Salary: $165,411
Fortinet is a cybersecurity company. It provides a solid salary and opportunities for career advancement in tech.
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Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
Average Salary: $161,527
Intuitive is a medical technology company. It offers a good salary and a chance to work on innovative surgical solutions.
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Juniper Networks
Average Salary: $160,015
Juniper Networks is a networking and cybersecurity company. It provides a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.
How does the cost of living in Sunnyvale, CA compare to the national average?

Sunnyvale, CA, stands out with a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Sunnyvale is notably 327, which is more than triple the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in Sunnyvale are over 200% higher than the average American city. Such a steep increase can greatly affect potential residents' budgets, making it essential for job seekers to consider these expenses when planning a move.
Other living expenses in Sunnyvale also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 42% more, with an index of 142. Utilities also show a higher cost, at 13% above the average, with an index of 113. Transportation costs are 36% higher, while healthcare expenses are 17% above the national average. Even miscellaneous costs, which include items like clothing and entertainment, are 36% higher, with an index of 136. These figures highlight the importance of understanding the full scope of living expenses when considering a move to Sunnyvale.