How much does a Principal Engineer make in Santa Clara, CA?
Principal Engineers in Santa Clara, CA, enjoy a competitive salary. On average, they earn about $218,103 per year. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled engineers in the tech-heavy region. Companies in Santa Clara value the expertise and experience that Principal Engineers bring to the table.
The salary range for Principal Engineers in Santa Clara varies. Some earn as little as $155,410, while others can make up to $345,875. This wide range shows the potential for growth and the importance of experience and skills. Many factors influence salary, including the company, the engineer's experience, and the specific projects they work on.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Santa Clara, CA?

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Menlo Park, CA
Average Salary: $246,700
In Menlo Park, engineers work in a vibrant tech hub. Companies like Facebook and Google offer exciting projects. The tech environment fosters innovation and growth.
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Redwood City, CA
Average Salary: $237,000
Redwood City is home to many tech giants. Engineers here enjoy a dynamic work culture. Companies like Oracle and Salesforce provide ample opportunities for career advancement.
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Mountain View, CA
Average Salary: $231,579
Mountain View is a tech powerhouse. Engineers benefit from a collaborative environment. Google and other major firms offer cutting-edge projects and professional development.
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Sunnyvale, CA
Average Salary: $221,442
Sunnyvale offers a thriving tech scene. Engineers work on innovative projects. Companies like eBay and VMware provide a supportive and dynamic work atmosphere.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $215,549
San Jose is a key player in the tech industry. Engineers here enjoy a diverse range of projects. Companies like Intel and Cisco offer great career opportunities.
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Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $211,553
Palo Alto is known for its tech innovation. Engineers work in a fast-paced environment. Companies like Hewlett Packard and Tesla provide exciting challenges and growth opportunities.
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Milpitas, CA
Average Salary: $206,025
Milpitas offers a growing tech landscape. Engineers here work on diverse projects. Companies like Applied Materials and Flex provide a supportive work environment.
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Fremont, CA
Average Salary: $184,483
Fremont is home to many tech companies. Engineers enjoy a collaborative work culture. Companies like NVIDIA and Avago Technologies offer exciting career prospects.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Santa Clara, CA?

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NVIDIA
Average Salary: $340,317
NVIDIA offers Principal Engineer positions in Santa Clara, CA. They focus on graphics, AI, and data center technologies. The company operates globally, with offices in the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Qualcomm
Average Salary: $283,125
Qualcomm provides Principal Engineer roles in Santa Clara, CA. They work in the wireless technology sector, developing chips and software for mobile devices. Qualcomm has offices worldwide, including the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Intel Corporation
Average Salary: $250,235
Intel Corporation offers Principal Engineer positions in Santa Clara, CA. They focus on semiconductor technology, designing and manufacturing computer processors. Intel has offices across the US, Europe, and Asia.
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d-Matrix
Average Salary: $221,800
d-Matrix provides Principal Engineer roles in Santa Clara, CA. They specialize in software and hardware solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company operates in the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Roche
Average Salary: $197,570
Roche offers Principal Engineer positions in Santa Clara, CA. They work in the healthcare sector, developing diagnostic tools and therapies. Roche has offices worldwide, including the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $193,992
Palo Alto Networks provides Principal Engineer roles in Santa Clara, CA. They focus on cybersecurity solutions, protecting businesses from digital threats. The company operates globally, with offices in the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Ampere Computing
Average Salary: $188,314
Ampere Computing offers Principal Engineer positions in Santa Clara, CA. They develop high-performance computing solutions for data centers. The company operates in the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Marvell Technology
Average Salary: $184,671
Marvell Technology provides Principal Engineer roles in Santa Clara, CA. They focus on semiconductor technology, designing and manufacturing networking and storage solutions. Marvell has offices worldwide, including the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Oracle
Average Salary: $175,000
Oracle offers Principal Engineer positions in Santa Clara, CA. They work in the software industry, providing database and cloud solutions. Oracle has offices across the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Johnson & Johnson
Average Salary: $151,181
Johnson & Johnson provides Principal Engineer roles in Santa Clara, CA. They focus on medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer health products. The company operates globally, with offices in the US, Europe, and Asia.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

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Technical Architect
Average Salary: $231,514
Technical architects design and oversee the technical aspects of a company's projects. They work closely with developers and engineers to ensure the architecture meets business needs. Companies like Google and Apple in Santa Clara often seek skilled technical architects.
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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $220,760
Machine learning engineers develop and implement algorithms that allow systems to learn from data. They work on projects that improve user experiences and automate processes. Firms such as Tesla and Intel in Santa Clara hire these engineers to drive innovation.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $214,830
Cloud engineers manage and maintain cloud infrastructure. They ensure that cloud services run smoothly and securely. Companies like Oracle and VMware in Santa Clara need cloud engineers to support their cloud-based solutions.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $212,589
Solutions architects design and plan the technical solutions for a company's needs. They create blueprints for software and systems. Tech giants like Cisco and VMware in Santa Clara often look for experienced solutions architects.
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DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $192,677
DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations. They automate processes and improve collaboration. Firms such as Adobe and eBay in Santa Clara hire these engineers to enhance their software delivery.
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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $184,244
Directors of engineering lead engineering teams and oversee projects. They ensure that engineering goals align with business objectives. Companies like Apple and Intel in Santa Clara seek directors with strong leadership and technical skills.
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Architectural Project Manager
Average Salary: $178,200
Architectural project managers oversee the planning and execution of architectural projects. They coordinate between architects and construction teams. Firms like Google and Apple in Santa Clara need these managers to ensure projects are completed on time.
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Chief Engineer
Average Salary: $166,979
Chief engineers lead the engineering department and set technical direction. They manage engineers and ensure projects meet quality standards. Companies like Tesla and Intel in Santa Clara look for experienced chief engineers to guide their teams.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $164,980
Staff engineers work on complex technical problems and mentor junior engineers. They contribute to the design and development of systems. Firms such as Google and Apple in Santa Clara hire staff engineers to drive innovation and technical excellence.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $162,959
Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems and components. They work on projects ranging from consumer electronics to power systems. Companies like Intel and Qualcomm in Santa Clara need skilled electrical engineers to advance their technology.
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