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

The average salary for a Principal Engineer is $235,844 per year 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.

Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

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

Job seekers looking for Principal Engineer roles near Sunnyvale, CA, will find high salaries in nearby cities. Mountain View offers the highest average salary at $268,968. Close by, Redwood City and Menlo Park also provide top compensation. Other cities like Palo Alto, San Jose, and Santa Clara have strong job markets with competitive wages. Job seekers should explore these cities for top-tier Principal Engineer positions.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal Engineer jobs near Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Mountain View, CA with the highest at $268,968 and Fremont, CA with the lowest at $189,219.
  1. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


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


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


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


  6. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Saratoga, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA


  9. 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.
    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 are some of the top choices for Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA. These companies pay well above the average, with salaries often reaching over $200,000. This is an excellent opportunity for job seekers looking for high pay and a good reputation. Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Synopsys, Walmart, and Northrop Grumman also offer competitive salaries. These companies provide a range of benefits and the chance to work with top-tier technology. Job seekers can find rewarding opportunities at these leading employers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Google with the highest at $339,139 and Northrop Grumman with the lowest at $144,446.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.

Currently 445 Principal Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Principal Engineer in the US?

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Position
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Principal Engineer
445 Job Openings