How much does a Principal Engineer make in San Jose, CA?
In San Jose, CA, a Principal Engineer earns a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for this position is around $218,746. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled engineers in the tech-heavy region. Companies in San Jose value expertise and experience, which often translates into higher pay.
The salary range for Principal Engineers in San Jose varies. The lowest 10% earn about $137,000 per year. The highest 10% earn over $333,000 annually. This wide range shows the potential for growth and advancement in this career path. Factors like experience, company size, and specific skills can influence the exact salary. Job seekers can expect to see a rewarding salary package in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near San Jose, CA?

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Menlo Park, CA
Average Salary: $246,700
In Menlo Park, tech leaders thrive. Engineers work on cutting-edge projects for companies like Facebook. The area offers a vibrant community and great career growth.
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Mountain View, CA
Average Salary: $239,691
Mountain View is home to tech giants like Google. Engineers here shape the future of technology. The city offers a dynamic environment and many opportunities.
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Redwood City, CA
Average Salary: $237,000
Redwood City boasts a strong tech scene. Engineers collaborate on innovative projects for companies like Oracle. The area provides a balanced lifestyle with plenty of perks.
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Sunnyvale, CA
Average Salary: $224,239
Sunnyvale is a hub for tech innovation. Engineers work on exciting projects for companies like VMware. The city offers a vibrant community and a strong job market.
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Santa Clara, CA
Average Salary: $219,963
Santa Clara is a tech powerhouse. Engineers here develop groundbreaking solutions for companies like Intel. The area offers a dynamic work environment and a strong economy.
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Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $218,873
Palo Alto is known for its tech innovation. Engineers work on exciting projects for companies like Hewlett Packard. The city offers a vibrant community and a strong job market.
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Milpitas, CA
Average Salary: $212,075
Milpitas is a growing tech hub. Engineers work on innovative projects for companies like Applied Materials. The city offers a balanced lifestyle and plenty of opportunities.
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Fremont, CA
Average Salary: $184,812
Fremont is a tech-friendly city. Engineers work on exciting projects for companies like Flex. The area offers a strong job market and a vibrant community.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in San Jose, CA?

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Arm
Average Salary: $308,450
Arm is a leading semiconductor and software design company. It offers Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA, where the team works on cutting-edge technology. The company has offices worldwide, including the UK, Japan, and Israel.
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Samsung Semiconductor Inc (US)
Average Salary: $270,273
Samsung Semiconductor Inc (US) is a top player in the semiconductor industry. It offers Principal Engineer positions in San Jose, CA. The company operates globally, with major offices in South Korea, China, and Germany.
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PayPal
Average Salary: $241,167
PayPal is a global leader in digital payments. It offers Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA. The company has offices around the world, including the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
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Micron Technology, Inc.
Average Salary: $233,811
Micron Technology, Inc. is a major semiconductor manufacturer. It offers Principal Engineer positions in San Jose, CA. The company operates globally, with offices in the US, Asia, and Europe.
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Celestica
Average Salary: $218,000
Celestica is a leading electronics manufacturer. It offers Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA. The company has offices worldwide, including Canada, the US, and Asia.
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Infineon Technologies
Average Salary: $216,904
Infineon Technologies is a global semiconductor company. It offers Principal Engineer positions in San Jose, CA. The company operates globally, with major offices in Germany, the US, and Asia.
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Analog Devices
Average Salary: $215,356
Analog Devices is a leading semiconductor company. It offers Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA. The company has offices around the world, including the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Acara Solutions
Average Salary: $205,000
Acara Solutions is a semiconductor company. It offers Principal Engineer positions in San Jose, CA. The company operates globally, with offices in the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Qorvo
Average Salary: $199,050
Qorvo is a leading semiconductor company. It offers Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA. The company has offices worldwide, including the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Rambus
Average Salary: $187,340
Rambus is a semiconductor company. It offers Principal Engineer positions in San Jose, CA. The company operates globally, with offices in the US, Europe, and Asia.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in San Jose, CA?

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Research Manager
Average Salary: $232,625
Research Managers lead teams to develop new technologies and improve existing ones. They work closely with engineers and scientists. Companies like Google and Intel in San Jose value innovative research.
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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $219,805
Directors of Engineering oversee the engineering team and projects. They ensure projects meet deadlines and quality standards. At firms like Apple and Cisco in San Jose, they play a key role in product development.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $202,578
Solutions Architects design and plan technical solutions. They work with clients to understand needs and create effective systems. In San Jose, companies like Oracle and VMware seek skilled architects.
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Safety Director
Average Salary: $201,250
Safety Directors ensure workplace safety and compliance with regulations. They develop safety programs and train staff. In San Jose, tech companies like Tesla and Adobe value strong safety practices.
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Technical Architect
Average Salary: $197,664
Technical Architects design system architecture and infrastructure. They work with developers to create scalable solutions. At San Jose firms like eBay and LinkedIn, they focus on robust system design.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $182,856
Staff Engineers lead projects and mentor junior engineers. They focus on complex technical challenges. In San Jose, companies like Facebook and Intel hire experienced staff engineers.
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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $177,029
Machine Learning Engineers develop algorithms and models. They work on data-driven projects. San Jose tech companies like Google and Uber seek skilled machine learning experts.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $176,402
Cloud Engineers manage cloud infrastructure and services. They ensure systems are secure and efficient. At firms like Amazon Web Services and Salesforce in San Jose, they play a crucial role.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $157,790
Data Engineers build and maintain data pipelines. They ensure data is accessible and usable. In San Jose, companies like LinkedIn and eBay need strong data engineers.
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DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $156,717
DevOps Engineers automate and improve software development. They work on deployment and integration. San Jose firms like Netflix and PayPal hire skilled DevOps professionals.
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