How much does a Principal Engineer make in Sunnyvale, CA?
A Principal Engineer in Sunnyvale, CA, brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the table. This role offers a competitive salary that reflects the expertise needed. On average, Principal Engineers in this area make around $235,844 per year.
Looking at the salary data, you can see that most Principal Engineers earn between $125,400 and $367,000 annually. The data shows a wide range because salaries depend on factors like experience, company, and specific job duties. Principal Engineers with more experience and in tech companies often earn higher salaries. This role provides good financial rewards for those who excel in their field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Sunnyvale, CA?

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Mountain View, CA
Average Salary: $268,968
In Mountain View, engineering professionals thrive in a tech-centric environment. Many opportunities exist in leading companies like Google, where innovation and creativity drive daily work. The community values skilled engineers who can contribute to cutting-edge projects.
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Redwood City, CA
Average Salary: $250,833
Redwood City offers a vibrant engineering scene with companies like Chewy and Dropbox seeking top talent. Working here means being part of a fast-paced, collaborative environment where ideas flow freely. Engineers here play a key role in developing new technologies and solutions.
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Menlo Park, CA
Average Salary: $249,496
Menlo Park is known for its strong engineering community, thanks to companies like Facebook. Engineers here enjoy a dynamic work culture that encourages experimentation. The city provides a perfect blend of professional growth and a supportive environment.
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Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $231,476
Palo Alto is home to numerous tech giants, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Tesla. Engineers here work on groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of technology. The city offers a great mix of innovation and community life.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $227,575
San Jose is a hub for tech companies like Intel and Cisco. Engineers here are involved in high-impact projects that shape the future of technology. The city's diverse tech landscape provides many opportunities for career advancement and skill development.
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Saratoga, CA
Average Salary: $226,875
Saratoga is a growing tech center with companies like Apple and Google. Engineers here benefit from a supportive community and access to cutting-edge resources. The city offers a balance of professional opportunities and a quality lifestyle.
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Santa Clara, CA
Average Salary: $223,596
Santa Clara offers a dynamic engineering environment with companies like Intel and Applied Materials. Engineers here work on innovative projects that drive tech forward. The city’s focus on technology makes it an exciting place to build a career.
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Milpitas, CA
Average Salary: $220,831
Milpitas is a key player in Silicon Valley, home to companies like Cadence Design Systems. Engineers here are integral to developing advanced technologies. The city provides a collaborative work culture and numerous opportunities for growth.
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Fremont, CA
Average Salary: $189,219
Fremont is known for its strong engineering community, supported by companies like Tesla. Engineers here work on cutting-edge projects and innovations. The city offers a mix of professional opportunities and a welcoming environment.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Sunnyvale, CA?

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Google
Average Salary: $339,139
Google offers Principal Engineer roles in multiple tech hubs, including their main office in Sunnyvale, CA. Principal Engineers at Google focus on creating innovative software and hardware solutions. They work with teams to design and develop cutting-edge products.
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Illumio
Average Salary: $281,000
Illumio is a cybersecurity company based in Sunnyvale, CA. Principal Engineers at Illumio work on advanced security solutions. They develop new features and maintain existing products. The role involves a lot of coding and system design.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $265,290
Amazon's Sunnyvale office is known for its innovative projects. Principal Engineers at Amazon work on large-scale systems and software. They play a key role in developing the company's infrastructure. The role includes working on various projects from cloud services to logistics.
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Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
Average Salary: $259,000
HPE's Sunnyvale location offers exciting opportunities for Principal Engineers. They focus on creating robust IT solutions. The role includes both software and hardware development. HPE Principal Engineers often work on enterprise-level projects.
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Synopsys
Average Salary: $216,400
Synopsys is a leading software integrity company. Principal Engineers at Synopsys in Sunnyvale work on developing software tools for hardware design. They focus on creating reliable and efficient solutions. The role involves a lot of problem-solving and innovation.
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Walmart
Average Salary: $208,667
Walmart offers Principal Engineer positions in Sunnyvale, focusing on e-commerce and logistics technology. Principal Engineers at Walmart develop tools to improve online shopping and supply chain management. The role is technical and involves a lot of coding and system design.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $144,446
Northrop Grumman has a presence in Sunnyvale, CA. Principal Engineers here focus on aerospace and defense technology. They develop advanced systems for military and space applications. The role involves both software and hardware development.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

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Research Manager
Average Salary: $229,725
A Research Manager in the tech hub leads teams to innovate. They guide projects, make decisions, and collaborate with other departments. Companies like Intel and Apple hire them in Sunnyvale.
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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $226,694
A Director of Engineering oversees all engineering activities. They manage teams, set goals, and ensure projects meet deadlines. At companies such as Cisco and VMware in Sunnyvale, this role is key.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $214,289
A Solutions Architect designs systems to meet client needs. They work with clients and engineers to create effective solutions. Firms like Oracle and NetApp in Sunnyvale value their expertise.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $211,531
A Staff Engineer works closely with teams to solve complex problems. They mentor junior engineers and contribute to project success. At companies such as Netflix and eBay in Sunnyvale, they play a vital role.
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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $203,280
A Machine Learning Engineer develops models to analyze data. They create algorithms that improve systems. Companies like Tesla and Uber in Sunnyvale seek their skills.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $191,195
A Cloud Engineer manages cloud services for companies. They ensure systems run smoothly and securely. At firms such as Google and Microsoft in Sunnyvale, they are in demand.
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DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $185,690
A DevOps Engineer automates processes to improve collaboration. They work with developers and operations teams. Companies such as Salesforce and Adobe in Sunnyvale hire them.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $175,246
An Electrical Engineer designs and tests electronic equipment. They work on projects ranging from software to hardware. Firms like Intel and HP in Sunnyvale value their expertise.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $159,624
A Data Engineer builds systems to collect and manage data. They ensure data is accessible and secure. Companies such as LinkedIn and Twitter in Sunnyvale seek their skills.
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Chief Engineer
Average Salary: $153,458
A Chief Engineer leads all engineering efforts. They set technical direction and manage teams. At companies such as Intel and Symantec in Sunnyvale, this role is critical.
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