How much does a Principal Engineer make in Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale, CA, is a vibrant tech hub. People who work as Principal Engineers here enjoy good pay. The average yearly salary for a Principal Engineer in Sunnyvale is $225,894. This high salary reflects the demand for experienced engineers in the area.
Several factors can affect an engineer's salary. These include their years of experience, specific skills, and the companies they work for. Engineers with more experience and specialized skills often earn more. Top tech companies in Sunnyvale usually offer higher salaries to attract top talent. This makes Sunnyvale an attractive place for Principal Engineers looking to advance their careers.
Here are some salary ranges for Principal Engineers in Sunnyvale:
- 25th percentile: $166,964
- 50th percentile: $208,527
- 75th percentile: $270,873
These numbers show that there are good opportunities for Principal Engineers to earn well in Sunnyvale, CA.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Sunnyvale, CA?

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Redwood City, CA
Average Salary: $249,600
Working in Redwood City offers an excellent blend of innovation and collaboration. Companies like ExlService and Informatica provide dynamic environments for top-tier engineering talent. The tech-friendly atmosphere here nurtures growth and creativity.
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Mountain View, CA
Average Salary: $242,293
Mountain View is a hub for tech giants like Google and YouTube. Engineers here drive cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology. The vibrant community and endless opportunities make it an exciting place to work.
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Menlo Park, CA
Average Salary: $241,383
In Menlo Park, working at companies such as Meta and Flex offers a unique opportunity to be part of groundbreaking innovations. The city's strong tech ecosystem fosters collaboration and professional development.
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Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $223,131
Palo Alto is home to major firms like Tesla and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Engineers here benefit from a rich innovation culture and ample resources to advance their careers. The city’s commitment to technology creates a stimulating work environment.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $222,763
San Jose is a powerhouse for tech companies such as Adobe and eBay. Engineers enjoy a competitive yet supportive atmosphere. The city’s diverse tech landscape offers many opportunities for professional growth.
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Santa Clara, CA
Average Salary: $220,323
Santa Clara is a key player in the tech world with companies like Intel and Applied Materials. Engineers work on challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology. The vibrant community makes it an appealing place to live and work.
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Milpitas, CA
Average Salary: $212,075
Milpitas is an emerging tech hub with companies such as Applied Materials. The city provides a vibrant atmosphere for innovation and growth. Engineers here are at the forefront of tech advancements.
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Fremont, CA
Average Salary: $189,533
Fremont offers a mix of established firms like Tesla and innovative startups. Engineers enjoy a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving. The city's tech scene is rapidly growing and offers many opportunities.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Sunnyvale, CA?

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Google
Average Salary: $336,348
Google offers exciting opportunities for Principal Engineers in Sunnyvale, CA. The company is a global leader in technology and innovation. Principal Engineers here focus on developing new technologies and improving existing systems. Google has offices all over the world, from California to New York.
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Illumio
Average Salary: $279,500
Illumio, based in Sunnyvale, CA, is a company that specializes in cybersecurity. They offer high-paying jobs for Principal Engineers. In this role, you will work on developing innovative security solutions. Illumio operates globally, with offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $265,290
Amazon.com is one of the largest e-commerce companies globally. They offer rewarding Principal Engineer positions in Sunnyvale, CA. The role involves working on a wide range of tech projects. Amazon operates in many countries, with its main offices in the United States and the UK.
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Synopsys
Average Salary: $216,400
Synopsys is a software company that offers Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA. This company is focused on semiconductor design and software integrity. Principal Engineers here will develop and improve software tools. Synopsys has offices in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan.
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Walmart
Average Salary: $209,474
Walmart, a global retail giant, offers opportunities for Principal Engineers in Sunnyvale, CA. In this role, you will focus on creating technology solutions for their retail operations. Walmart has stores and offices worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States and several other countries.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $140,781
Northrop Grumman is a leading aerospace and defense technology company. They have Principal Engineer roles available in Sunnyvale, CA. In this position, you will work on designing and developing advanced technology. Northrop Grumman operates globally, with main offices in the United States and the UK.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $250,539
At leading tech firms in Sunnyvale, this role involves managing engineering teams and driving the company's technical vision. Directors work closely with product managers and executives to align strategies. They ensure projects meet timelines and quality standards.
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Research Manager
Average Salary: $229,725
Sunnyvale's research managers lead innovation and development in tech firms. They oversee research projects, manage budgets, and guide research teams. They collaborate with other departments to implement new technologies and solutions.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $206,544
In Sunnyvale's tech scene, solutions architects design and develop IT solutions for clients. They work with clients to understand needs and create effective, efficient solutions. Architects must balance technical specifications with business goals.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $203,831
Staff engineers in Sunnyvale contribute to technical leadership in tech companies. They design and implement new technologies, mentor junior engineers, and oversee projects. They ensure solutions meet high standards and align with company goals.
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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $200,936
Sunnyvale's machine learning engineers develop AI models and algorithms. They work on projects ranging from natural language processing to computer vision. Engineers collaborate with data scientists and software developers to create innovative applications.
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DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $188,435
DevOps engineers in Sunnyvale automate and integrate software development processes. They work with development and operations teams to improve efficiency. Engineers implement tools and practices to streamline the software lifecycle.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $180,063
Sunnyvale's electrical engineers design and develop electronic equipment. They work on projects ranging from consumer electronics to advanced communication systems. Engineers must collaborate with other disciplines to ensure project success.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $179,514
Cloud engineers in Sunnyvale manage cloud infrastructure and services. They ensure systems run smoothly and efficiently. Engineers work with other IT professionals to design and implement cloud solutions.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $164,156
Data engineers in Sunnyvale build and maintain data systems. They ensure data is accessible and reliable for analysis. Engineers collaborate with data scientists and analysts to create robust data pipelines.
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Chief Engineer
Average Salary: $151,567
Chief engineers in Sunnyvale oversee all engineering efforts within a company. They develop technical strategies and manage engineering teams. They ensure projects align with business objectives and quality standards.
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