Position
City
Salary

How much does a Principal Engineer make in Santa Clara, CA?

The average salary for a Principal Engineer is $222,113 per year in Santa Clara, CA.

A Principal Engineer working in Santa Clara, CA, typically earns a strong salary. On average, the yearly salary for this role stands at about $222,113. This figure reflects a good balance between the high cost of living in the area and the competitive nature of tech jobs.

The salaries for Principal Engineers in Santa Clara range widely. The majority of professionals earn between $190,040 and $259,300 per year. This range shows that those with more experience and higher skills can expect to earn more. It also highlights the opportunities for growth and advancement in this field.

Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Santa Clara, CA?

Companies in Silicon Valley often offer high salaries for Principal Engineer positions. Cities near Santa Clara, CA, like Redwood City and Mountain View, have some of the best average salaries. Principal Engineers can expect to earn over $225,000 in these nearby cities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal Engineer jobs near Santa Clara, CA, highlighting Redwood City, CA with the highest at $252,333 and Fremont, CA with the lowest at $187,300.
  1. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $252,333
    Working in Redwood City, you will find exciting opportunities in tech companies. The area is known for its innovation and creativity. Companies here focus on cutting-edge technology and solutions.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


  2. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $247,002
    Mountain View offers a vibrant tech scene with many tech giants. The city is home to Google and other influential companies. Working here means being at the forefront of technology and innovation.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  3. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $240,445
    In Menlo Park, you will join a community of tech leaders. The city is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. Working here provides access to top talent and innovative projects.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  4. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $229,194
    Palo Alto is a hub for tech companies, including major players in the industry. The city offers a dynamic work environment. Working here means being part of a fast-paced, innovative culture.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $226,677
    Sunnyvale is an emerging tech center with many startups and established companies. The city provides a collaborative work environment. Working here means being part of a growing tech community.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $225,818
    San Jose is Silicon Valley's heart, with many tech companies. The city offers diverse opportunities for growth. Working here means being in the epicenter of technological advancement.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Milpitas, CA
    Average Salary: $212,588
    Milpitas is known for its tech industry and innovation. The city has many tech firms and startups. Working here means being in a hub of technological development.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA


  8. Fremont, CA
    Average Salary: $187,300
    Fremont has a growing tech presence with several tech companies. The city offers a supportive work environment. Working here means being part of a community focused on innovation.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Fremont, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Santa Clara, CA?

Principal Engineers in Santa Clara, CA, have excellent opportunities with high-paying companies. Leading the list, NVIDIA offers an average salary of over $339,000. Qualcomm and Intel Corporation also provide competitive pay, with averages around $280,000 and $257,000 respectively. These tech giants attract top talent due to their strong reputations and rewarding compensation packages. Qualcomm and Intel Corporation stand out with their extensive research and development, providing Principal Engineers with meaningful, challenging work.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting NVIDIA with the highest at $339,875 and Oracle with the lowest at $175,000.
  1. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $339,875
    NVIDIA, located in Santa Clara, California, offers exciting Principal Engineer positions. They focus on graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming and AI. Employees work on cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment.


  2. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $280,725
    At Qualcomm, Principal Engineers in Santa Clara, California, play a key role in developing wireless technology. The company leads in mobile, automotive, and internet of things (IoT) sectors. It’s a great place for innovation and growth.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $277,700
    Amazon.com, with its headquarters in Santa Clara, California, offers challenging Principal Engineer roles. They work on e-commerce and cloud computing. Employees get to use the latest tech and contribute to global projects.


  4. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $257,667
    Intel Corporation in Santa Clara, California, seeks skilled Principal Engineers. They focus on semiconductor technology, including processors and AI solutions. The company provides a strong culture of innovation and excellence.


  5. d-Matrix
    Average Salary: $209,667
    d-Matrix, based in Santa Clara, California, offers dynamic Principal Engineer positions. They create software and hardware solutions for defense and aerospace. Employees enjoy working on cutting-edge projects with a focus on innovation.


  6. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $196,087
    Palo Alto Networks in Santa Clara, California, offers exciting Principal Engineer roles. They specialize in cybersecurity solutions. Employees work on advanced tech to protect against digital threats, making a real impact.


  7. Roche
    Average Salary: $194,892
    Roche, with a presence in Santa Clara, California, seeks Principal Engineers for its biotech division. They work on innovative medical solutions, focusing on improving patient care and health outcomes.


  8. Ampere Computing
    Average Salary: $188,095
    Ampere Computing in Santa Clara, California, offers Principal Engineer positions in high-performance computing. The company focuses on providing powerful solutions for data centers and AI workloads.


  9. Marvell Technology
    Average Salary: $187,461
    Marvell Technology in Santa Clara, California, offers roles for Principal Engineers who specialize in semiconductors. They develop innovative storage and networking solutions that power modern technology.


  10. Oracle
    Average Salary: $175,000
    Oracle, located in Santa Clara, California, offers Principal Engineer positions in software development. They focus on database and cloud technology, providing solutions for businesses around the world.

Currently 558 Principal Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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.
Position
Overview
Principal Engineer
558 Job Openings