How much does a Principal Engineer make in Irvine, CA?
In Irvine, CA, Principal Engineers enjoy a competitive salary. The average yearly salary stands at $172,252. This means most Principal Engineers earn a good income. Their job roles are important and they are paid accordingly. With experience and skill, many can expect even higher earnings.
The salary for Principal Engineers can vary based on experience and the company. The data shows a range from $131,392 to $239,200. Here are a few key points:
- 25% of Principal Engineers earn at least $160,794.
- Half of them earn more than $170,595.
- The top earners make over $219,599 a year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Irvine, CA?

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Costa Mesa, CA
Average Salary: $181,722
In Costa Mesa, CA, tech companies thrive, offering exciting roles for experienced engineers. The vibrant tech scene provides opportunities to work with innovative teams. Companies like Broadcom and New Relic seek talented engineers to join their ranks.
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Orange, CA
Average Salary: $177,250
Orange, CA, is a hub for tech companies, making it a great place for engineers. Here, one can work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to the industry’s future. Firms like Anaplan and North Sails look for skilled engineers to help drive their success.
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Anaheim, CA
Average Salary: $170,250
Anaheim, CA, offers a dynamic environment for engineering professionals. The city’s strong presence of tech companies provides a range of opportunities. Engineers can work with innovative firms like Disney and Blizzard Entertainment.
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Lake Forest, CA
Average Salary: $143,608
Lake Forest, CA, is home to many successful companies, making it an attractive place for engineers. The city’s tech industry offers a variety of roles and projects. Companies like Broadcom and LG Electronics look for experienced engineers to join their teams.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Irvine, CA?

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Infineon Technologies
Average Salary: $207,475
Infineon Technologies in Irvine, CA, offers Principal Engineer roles that involve developing semiconductor solutions. The company operates globally, with major offices in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Infineon Technologies is a leader in power and sensor solutions, which means Principal Engineers will work on projects that impact various industries, from automotive to industrial automation.
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Skyworks Solutions
Average Salary: $198,800
Skyworks Solutions in Irvine, CA, focuses on semiconductor technology for connectivity and sensors. Principal Engineers here develop high-performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits. The company operates globally, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Principal Engineers will work on cutting-edge technologies that power wireless connectivity in various devices.
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AbbVie
Average Salary: $192,667
AbbVie in Irvine, CA, is a biopharmaceutical company that seeks Principal Engineers to lead software development teams. These roles involve creating tools and solutions to improve drug development. AbbVie has a global presence, with key offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Principal Engineers will collaborate with scientists and researchers to drive innovation in healthcare.
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Marvell Technology
Average Salary: $189,943
Marvell Technology in Irvine, CA, offers Principal Engineer roles in semiconductor design. These positions focus on developing high-performance processors and networking solutions. Marvell operates worldwide, with major hubs in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Principal Engineers will work on projects that power the internet and data centers.
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Edwards Lifesciences
Average Salary: $149,269
Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, CA, focuses on medical technologies. Principal Engineers here develop innovative medical devices and solutions. The company has a global reach, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Principal Engineers will collaborate with healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Irvine, CA?

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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $187,110
This role involves leading a team of engineers to ensure project success. It focuses on strategic planning and aligning engineering efforts with business goals. Companies like Broadcom and Tesla often seek directors to manage their engineering divisions.
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Technical Architect
Average Salary: $177,931
In this position, you create blueprints for complex systems. You work closely with engineers to ensure that systems are scalable and efficient. Major tech firms in Irvine, such as Qualcomm, often need technical architects to design their software infrastructure.
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Chief Engineer
Average Salary: $169,455
This senior role requires overseeing all engineering activities. It involves setting technical direction and making high-level decisions. Aerospace companies like L3Harris Technologies look for chiefs to guide their engineering teams.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $161,232
This role involves designing solutions that meet business needs. You create system architectures and work with clients to ensure their requirements are met. Companies like Cisco Systems often hire solutions architects to develop custom solutions.
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Research Manager
Average Salary: $151,625
This position involves managing research projects. It includes overseeing teams and ensuring projects stay on track. Companies like Biogen and Amgen seek research managers to lead their scientific efforts.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $144,138
In this role, you manage cloud-based solutions. You ensure systems run smoothly and are secure. Firms like Google and Microsoft have cloud engineers to maintain their cloud infrastructure.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $142,676
This position involves designing data architectures. You build systems that gather, store, and process data. Tech companies like Oracle and IBM often hire data engineers to manage their data needs.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $139,258
This role focuses on advanced technical challenges. You mentor junior engineers and contribute to high-impact projects. Companies like Amazon and Apple look for staff engineers to drive innovation.
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Safety Director
Average Salary: $138,217
This role ensures workplace safety standards are met. You develop safety programs and conduct training. Companies in the manufacturing sector, such as Honda, often hire safety directors to oversee their safety initiatives.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $131,452
In this role, you design and test electrical systems. You ensure systems are reliable and efficient. Companies like TE Connectivity and Qualcomm look for electrical engineers to develop their products.
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