How much does a Principal Engineer make in Sunnyvale, CA?
In Sunnyvale, CA, Principal Engineers enjoy a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for this role is about $229,361. This figure takes into account the various factors that influence pay, including experience and company size. The salary range for this position varies, offering opportunities for advancement and higher earnings with increased responsibility.
To put this into perspective, here’s a look at the salary distribution:
- The lowest 10% earn around $125,400 per year.
- The top 10% earn approximately $354,000 or more annually.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Sunnyvale, CA?

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Mountain View, CA
Average Salary: $256,764
Working in Mountain View offers the chance to collaborate with top talent in tech. Companies like Google and various startups create a vibrant environment for innovation. Engineers here drive projects that shape the future of technology.
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Redwood City, CA
Average Salary: $254,286
In Redwood City, engineers work on cutting-edge projects for leading companies such as Salesforce. The area values creativity and teamwork, providing a dynamic workplace. Employees enjoy a mix of challenges and opportunities for growth.
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Menlo Park, CA
Average Salary: $242,927
Menlo Park is known for its tech giants like Facebook. Engineers here play a crucial role in developing new features and improving platforms. The focus on innovation leads to exciting career advancements.
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Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $231,606
Palo Alto offers a unique blend of tech and research. Companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise and various tech startups foster a culture of excellence. Engineers can expect to tackle complex problems that have a real impact.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $227,325
San Jose is a hub for technology with many firms like Cisco and Intel. Working here means being at the forefront of tech advancements. The city offers a diverse work environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.
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Santa Clara, CA
Average Salary: $223,971
Santa Clara is home to major companies such as Intel and VMware. Engineers here are involved in groundbreaking projects. The collaborative atmosphere makes it an excellent place to build a successful career in tech.
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Milpitas, CA
Average Salary: $220,831
Milpitas hosts companies like Cadence Design Systems and other tech firms. Engineers find a supportive environment that encourages innovation and skill development. The area is a great place for those looking to make a significant impact.
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Fremont, CA
Average Salary: $187,300
Fremont offers a thriving tech scene with companies like Tesla and Flex. Engineers work on projects that push the boundaries of technology. The fast-paced environment provides many opportunities for learning and advancement.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Sunnyvale, CA?

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Google
Average Salary: $337,839
Google offers exciting Principal Engineer roles in Sunnyvale, CA, focusing on innovation in tech. The company operates globally, providing cutting-edge solutions in search, advertising, and cloud computing.
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Illumio
Average Salary: $279,500
Illumio provides Principal Engineer positions in Sunnyvale, CA, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. The company operates worldwide, delivering advanced security solutions.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $265,290
Amazon.com hires Principal Engineers in Sunnyvale, CA, for roles that drive tech innovation. The company has a global presence, offering a wide range of products and services.
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Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
Average Salary: $259,000
HPE has Principal Engineer roles in Sunnyvale, CA, focusing on enterprise solutions. The company operates globally, providing tech services and products to businesses.
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Synopsys
Average Salary: $216,400
Synopsys offers Principal Engineer positions in Sunnyvale, CA, in the semiconductor industry. The company operates internationally, delivering software and services for chip design.
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Walmart
Average Salary: $208,900
Walmart hires Principal Engineers in Sunnyvale, CA, to work on tech innovations for retail. The company operates globally, providing retail services to millions of customers.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $141,121
Northrop Grumman has Principal Engineer roles in Sunnyvale, CA, focusing on defense and aerospace. The company operates internationally, providing advanced technology solutions.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $255,563
The Director of Engineering guides a team of engineers in crafting solutions for tech companies in Sunnyvale. They lead projects from conception to completion, ensuring quality and efficiency. Working with leading firms like Apple and Oracle, they shape the future of technology.
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Research Manager
Average Salary: $229,725
Research Managers in Sunnyvale oversee innovative projects for companies like Tesla and VMware. They analyze data to guide research directions and development. Their work involves collaborating with engineers and scientists to push technological boundaries.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $212,097
Solutions Architects design comprehensive systems for tech giants in Sunnyvale, such as Intel and Cisco. They bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions. Their expertise ensures that systems are robust, scalable, and user-friendly.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $209,686
Staff Engineers in Sunnyvale work at companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise and AMD. They contribute to the development and maintenance of complex systems. Their role involves mentoring junior engineers and collaborating on cutting-edge projects.
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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $201,571
Machine Learning Engineers in Sunnyvale develop models for firms like Google and Uber. They apply algorithms to data to make systems smarter. Their work often involves working with large datasets and improving AI applications.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $188,061
Cloud Engineers at companies like Microsoft and Salesforce design and manage cloud-based solutions. They ensure that systems run smoothly and securely in the cloud. Their expertise is crucial in an increasingly digital world.
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DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $187,083
DevOps Engineers in Sunnyvale work to streamline operations for companies like LinkedIn and VMware. They bridge development and operations to improve workflow. Their role is vital in maintaining efficient and reliable systems.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $178,339
Electrical Engineers in Sunnyvale design and test electronic systems for companies like Apple and Intel. They work on a wide range of projects from consumer electronics to complex computer systems. Their skills are essential in creating innovative products.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $162,958
Data Engineers at companies like Google and Oracle manage and optimize data systems. They ensure that data is accurate and accessible. Their work is crucial for making data-driven decisions in today's business landscape.
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Chief Engineer
Average Salary: $151,651
Chief Engineers in Sunnyvale lead engineering teams at companies like Qualcomm and Tesla. They oversee all engineering activities and ensure projects meet high standards. Their leadership is key to driving innovation and efficiency.
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