How much does a Principal Engineer make in Irvine, CA?
Principal Engineers in Irvine, CA, enjoy a competitive salary. On average, they earn about $165,478 per year. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled engineers in the area. Irvine is known for its strong tech industry, which drives up salaries for top positions.
The salary range for Principal Engineers in Irvine varies. The lowest 10% earn around $125,000, while the highest 10% can make over $222,000. Most engineers fall between $142,673 and $204,527. This wide range shows the potential for growth and the value placed on experienced engineers in the region.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Irvine, CA?

-
Costa Mesa, CA
Average Salary: $169,885
In Costa Mesa, engineers work in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation. Companies like Broadcom and New Relic offer exciting opportunities. The tech scene here is vibrant, with many projects pushing the boundaries of technology.
Find Principal Engineer jobs in Costa Mesa, CA
-
Tustin, CA
Average Salary: $164,625
Tustin provides a great setting for engineers to thrive. With companies such as Advanced Micro Devices, the work here is challenging and rewarding. The community supports professional growth and offers a balanced lifestyle.
Find Principal Engineer jobs in Tustin, CA
-
Lake Forest, CA
Average Salary: $145,875
Lake Forest is known for its strong engineering community. Engineers here benefit from a supportive work culture. Companies like Allergan and Broadcom provide excellent career advancement opportunities.
Find Principal Engineer jobs in Lake Forest, CA
What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Irvine, CA?

-
Skyworks Solutions
Average Salary: $203,780
Skyworks Solutions offers Principal Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA. They focus on semiconductor technology. Their work spans across various locations, including the US, Europe, and Asia.
-
Marvell Technology
Average Salary: $200,915
Marvell Technology provides Principal Engineer positions in Irvine, CA. They specialize in semiconductor solutions for data centers and networking. Marvell operates globally, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
-
AbbVie
Average Salary: $192,667
AbbVie offers Principal Engineer roles in Irvine, CA. They focus on biopharmaceutical research and development. AbbVie has a strong presence in the US, Europe, and other regions.
-
Western Digital
Average Salary: $187,667
Western Digital provides Principal Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA. They are leaders in data storage solutions. Their operations span across the US, Europe, and Asia.
-
Ingram Micro
Average Salary: $169,283
Ingram Micro offers Principal Engineer positions in Irvine, CA. They focus on technology distribution and solutions. Ingram Micro operates globally, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.
-
Edwards Lifesciences
Average Salary: $147,979
Edwards Lifesciences provides Principal Engineer roles in Irvine, CA. They specialize in medical technology for heart valves and disease management. Their operations are spread across the US, Europe, and other regions.
-
Americor
Average Salary: $125,000
Americor offers Principal Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA. They focus on semiconductor manufacturing and technology. Americor operates in the US and other global markets.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Irvine, CA?

-
Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $199,090
This role leads a team of engineers to develop and implement technology solutions. Companies in Irvine, such as Broadcom and Allergan, seek directors with strong leadership skills. They manage projects, ensure quality, and align with business goals.
Find Director of Engineering jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Chief Engineer
Average Salary: $170,351
Chief engineers oversee all engineering activities. They work closely with other executives to drive innovation. In Irvine, firms like Avago Technologies and Microsemi look for chiefs with extensive experience and strategic vision.
Find Chief Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Technical Architect
Average Salary: $168,332
Technical architects design system frameworks. They ensure systems meet business needs. Companies in Irvine, such as Broadcom and Avago Technologies, need architects with deep technical knowledge and design skills.
Find Technical Architect jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $152,289
Solutions architects create technical solutions for business problems. They work with stakeholders to understand requirements. In Irvine, firms like Allergan and Microsemi seek solutions architects with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Find Solutions Architect jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Research Manager
Average Salary: $151,625
Research managers lead teams to develop new technologies. They oversee research projects and ensure they meet objectives. Companies in Irvine, such as Allergan and Avago Technologies, look for managers with a strong background in research and development.
Find Research Manager jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Data Engineer
Average Salary: $143,564
Data engineers build systems to manage data. They ensure data is accessible and usable. In Irvine, firms like Broadcom and Microsemi need data engineers with strong technical skills and attention to detail.
Find Data Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $143,132
Cloud engineers manage cloud infrastructure. They ensure systems run smoothly in the cloud. Companies in Irvine, such as Avago Technologies and Broadcom, seek cloud engineers with expertise in cloud platforms.
Find Cloud Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Safety Director
Average Salary: $135,900
Safety directors ensure workplace safety. They develop and implement safety programs. In Irvine, firms like Allergan and Avago Technologies need safety directors with strong leadership and safety management skills.
Find Safety Director jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $131,626
Staff engineers work on complex projects. They provide technical leadership and mentorship. Companies in Irvine, such as Broadcom and Avago Technologies, seek staff engineers with strong technical skills and experience.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA
-
Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $129,605
Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work on projects ranging from small devices to large systems. In Irvine, firms like Avago Technologies and Broadcom need electrical engineers with strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA