Principal Engineer Principal Engineer Salary in Mountain View, CA

Principal Engineer Salary in Mountain View, CA

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Principal Engineer make in Mountain View, CA?

The average salary for a Principal Engineer is $272,474 per year in Mountain View, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA, showing an average salary of $272,474 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA, showing an average salary of $22,706 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA, showing an average salary of $5,240 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA, showing an average salary of $131 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Principal Engineers in Mountain View, CA, can expect to earn a competitive salary. On average, they make around $272,474 a year. This high earning potential makes the role attractive for those in the tech industry.

Principal Engineers have many responsibilities. They lead technical projects, mentor teams, and make key decisions. These tasks require a lot of experience and skill, which is why they earn a good salary. The tech-focused environment of Mountain View, CA, adds to this appeal. It offers many opportunities for growth and innovation.

Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA
View all Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Mountain View, CA?

Mountain View, CA, boasts some of the highest paying Principal Engineer jobs in the region. Companies in this area offer competitive salaries, with Redwood City and Menlo Park also providing excellent compensation packages. Sunnyvale and Palo Alto follow closely, making these locations ideal for job seekers aiming for top-tier pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal Engineer jobs near Mountain View, CA, highlighting Mountain View, CA with the highest at $268,968 and Pleasanton, CA with the lowest at $204,592.

  1. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $268,968
    Mountain View offers a dynamic tech environment with many leading tech companies. Engineers can expect a fast-paced atmosphere with innovative projects. Companies like Google and others make this a sought-after place for experienced engineers.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  2. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $250,833
    Redwood City is home to several tech giants. It provides a collaborative work culture with many opportunities to learn and grow. Engineers here work on cutting-edge technology and projects.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


  3. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $249,496
    Menlo Park is known for its vibrant tech scene. This city attracts top talent to work at prominent companies. Engineers can expect challenging projects and a chance to work with the best in the industry.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  4. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $235,844
    In Sunnyvale, engineers can find a mix of traditional and innovative companies. The tech industry here is booming. This city offers a great place to work on diverse projects and grow professionally.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $231,476
    Palo Alto is a hub for tech innovation. This city offers a creative work environment. Engineers can work with leading firms and contribute to groundbreaking projects.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $227,575
    San Jose is a major tech center with many opportunities. The city has a diverse range of companies. Engineers here can expect a stimulating work environment and the chance to work on important projects.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Saratoga, CA
    Average Salary: $226,875
    Saratoga provides a peaceful yet productive work environment. This city has a mix of tech startups and established companies. Engineers can expect a supportive culture and the chance to work on innovative projects.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Saratoga, CA


  8. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $223,596
    Santa Clara is known for its strong tech presence. Many high-tech companies are based here. Engineers can look forward to a challenging and rewarding work environment.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Milpitas, CA
    Average Salary: $220,831
    Milpitas offers a growing tech industry with many opportunities. This city has a mix of big tech companies and innovative startups. Engineers can expect a dynamic work environment and the chance to make a significant impact.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA


  10. Pleasanton, CA
    Average Salary: $204,592
    Pleasanton is a city with a thriving tech community. The area is home to many tech companies. Engineers here can expect a collaborative work environment with many chances to develop their skills.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Pleasanton, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Mountain View, CA?

Seeking a well-paying Principal Engineer role in Mountain View, CA? Look no further than YouTube and Google. Both companies offer impressive salaries for their Principal Engineers, making them top contenders in the area. Additionally, Microsoft and Adapt Technology provide strong compensation packages, though they may not reach the heights of YouTube and Google. Job seekers can expect competitive salaries at Microsoft, with an average around $216,850. Adapt Technology offers a good opportunity, with an average salary of approximately $131,000. These companies show they value engineering talent, providing attractive benefits and growth potential.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA, highlighting YouTube with the highest at $360,188 and Adapt Technology with the lowest at $131,000.

  1. YouTube
    Average Salary: $360,188
    YouTube, owned by Google, offers exciting opportunities for Principal Engineers in Mountain View, CA. They focus on creating innovative streaming services and advertising platforms. Their team works on a variety of projects that shape how people watch and share videos.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $327,214
    Google is a global leader in technology and offers Principal Engineers in Mountain View, CA, a chance to work on cutting-edge projects. At Google, Principal Engineers lead complex engineering tasks, develop new technologies, and improve existing systems. They operate in multiple locations worldwide.


  3. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $216,850
    Microsoft, based in Mountain View, CA, provides great career opportunities for Principal Engineers. They work on a wide range of products, including cloud services, productivity tools, and more. Microsoft engineers are known for their problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.


  4. Adapt Technology
    Average Salary: $131,000
    Adapt Technology, located in Mountain View, CA, offers dynamic roles for Principal Engineers. They focus on creating accessible technology solutions. Adapt Technology values teamwork and collaboration, making it a great place for engineers who want to make a difference.

Currently 445 Principal Engineer job openings, nationwide.

View Principal Engineer Jobs in Mountain View, CA

How's the job market for a Principal Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Principal Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Principal Engineer today.
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