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How much does a Principal Engineer make in Sunnyvale, CA?

The average salary for a Principal Engineer is $225,894 per year 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.

Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

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

Principal Engineer roles in the Bay Area offer competitive salaries. Cities like Redwood City, Mountain View, and Menlo Park stand out with average salaries exceeding $240,000. These locations provide excellent opportunities for those seeking top-tier compensation in their career.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal Engineer jobs near Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Redwood City, CA with the highest at $249,600 and Fremont, CA with the lowest at $189,533.
  1. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Fremont, CA

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

Google, Illumio, and Amazon.com lead as the top employers for Principal Engineer positions in Sunnyvale, CA. Google offers an impressive average salary of $336,348, making it the highest-paying option. Illumio and Amazon.com also provide competitive salaries, averaging $279,500 and $265,290, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Google with the highest at $336,348 and Northrop Grumman with the lowest at $140,781.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.

Currently 402 Principal Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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Principal Engineer
402 Job Openings