How much does a Principal Engineer make in Irvine, CA?
Principal Engineers in Irvine, CA earn a strong salary. On average, they make about $178,306 each year. This number is a good starting point for job seekers looking to understand what they might earn in this role.
Irvine, CA offers competitive wages for this position. Most Principal Engineers fall within a certain range. About 17.59% earn between $142,500 and $151,136. Another 8.21% earn between $159,773 and $168,409. The data shows a spread, with 12.90% earning between $202,955 and $211,591. At the higher end, 8.21% of Principal Engineers earn between $220,227 and $228,864. This range gives a clear view of potential earnings in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Irvine, CA?

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Costa Mesa, CA
Average Salary: $180,900
In Costa Mesa, a Principal Engineer can work with tech companies like Honda and Toyota. They collaborate on innovative projects and lead development teams. The city offers a blend of creativity and industry that fuels exciting career growth.
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Orange, CA
Average Salary: $180,757
Orange is home to businesses such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Broadcom. A Principal Engineer here leads technical teams and works on cutting-edge projects. The vibrant tech scene offers many opportunities for professional advancement.
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Anaheim, CA
Average Salary: $165,300
Anaheim's tech sector includes companies like Edison International. Principal Engineers drive major projects and manage development teams. The city's strong business environment supports career growth and innovation.
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Lake Forest, CA
Average Salary: $139,626
In Lake Forest, Principal Engineers often work with companies like Solectria. They play a key role in leading projects and guiding technical strategies. The city provides a supportive community for tech professionals seeking growth.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Irvine, CA?

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The Irvine Company
Average Salary: $237,500
The Irvine Company offers Principal Engineer roles where professionals contribute to high-tech projects. Based in Irvine, the company offers leadership opportunities in engineering.
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iHerb
Average Salary: $232,000
iHerb seeks Principal Engineers to design and build scalable solutions. This company operates in Irvine and values innovative engineering.
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Infineon Technologies
Average Salary: $207,475
Infineon Technologies offers dynamic roles for Principal Engineers in Irvine. The company focuses on semiconductor solutions and innovation.
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Skyworks Solutions
Average Salary: $198,800
Skyworks Solutions is a leading semiconductor company hiring Principal Engineers in Irvine. They focus on advanced technologies and engineering excellence.
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AbbVie
Average Salary: $192,667
AbbVie provides opportunities for Principal Engineers to lead and innovate. Based in Irvine, the company focuses on biopharmaceutical products.
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Providence
Average Salary: $189,620
Providence offers roles for Principal Engineers in Irvine. The company is committed to health and research, providing a stimulating work environment.
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Marvell Technology
Average Salary: $184,698
Marvell Technology seeks Principal Engineers for leadership roles in Irvine. They focus on semiconductor and network solutions.
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Ingram Micro
Average Salary: $176,492
Ingram Micro offers Principal Engineer positions in Irvine. The company provides technology solutions and support across various industries.
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West Yost
Average Salary: $161,610
West Yost employs Principal Engineers in Irvine, focusing on engineering and consulting services. They provide high-quality solutions to clients.
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Edwards Lifesciences
Average Salary: $152,827
Edwards Lifesciences offers Principal Engineer roles in Irvine. They focus on medical technology and innovative healthcare solutions.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Irvine, CA?

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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $192,348
In this role, one leads a team of engineers to develop and implement strategies for product development. Companies in Irvine such as Broadcom and Fox Semiconductor seek experienced leaders for these positions.
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Technical Architect
Average Salary: $177,931
Technical Architects design and develop system architectures to meet business needs. Firms in Irvine like VMware and Xerox hire skilled architects to ensure the technical direction aligns with the company goals.
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Chief Engineer
Average Salary: $166,654
Chief Engineers oversee all engineering activities within a company. Businesses in Irvine, including Microsemi and AST SpaceMobile, often look for experts to guide engineering teams.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $166,292
These professionals design software and hardware solutions to meet business needs. Companies in Irvine, such as Cognizant and Axway, seek creative minds to develop efficient solutions.
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Research Manager
Average Salary: $151,625
Research Managers lead research projects, ensuring they align with company goals. Firms in Irvine like Allergan and Biogen value leaders who can guide research efforts effectively.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $148,217
Cloud Engineers manage cloud infrastructure and services. With companies like Oracle and Google expanding in Irvine, skilled Cloud Engineers are in demand to manage cloud systems.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $143,557
Staff Engineers design, develop, and implement engineering solutions. Companies in Irvine such as Microsoft and HP Enterprise are often looking for experienced staff engineers to lead projects.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $142,682
Data Engineers build and maintain data systems. Tech firms in Irvine like Dell and Red Hat hire data engineers to manage and optimize data infrastructure.
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Safety Director
Average Salary: $141,112
Safety Directors ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards. Companies in Irvine such as Raytheon and Broadcom seek safety directors to maintain a safe work environment.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $129,817
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and components. Businesses in Irvine, including Broadcom and Boeing, often hire electrical engineers for various projects.
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