Salaries in Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara, CA offers a variety of salaries that cater to different experience levels and job roles. The average yearly salary in the area stands at a healthy $117,932.

Many earners in the region have salaries spread across various ranges. About 27.9% of workers earn around $35,700 annually. This entry-level pay allows many to begin their careers in this vibrant job market. As skills and experience grow, salaries increase significantly. For instance, approximately 12.2% of workers earn around $57,875, and 7.9% earn about $80,050.

Moving higher in pay scales, 9.1% of workers earn $102,225, while 7.6% receive around $124,400 a year. The earning potential continues to rise, with 7.1% of people making $146,575, and 7.5% earning $168,750. Those at the upper end of the pay scale enjoy impressive salaries, such as 6.7% earning about $190,925, and 4.1% making $213,100.

The top earners enjoy the most substantial salaries, with 2.8% taking home $235,275, 2.2% earning upwards of $257,450, and the highest earning around $279,625.

Overall, Santa Clara presents a robust job market with competitive salaries, making it an attractive place for job seekers looking to advance their careers.

1. Principal Engineer
   Average Salary: $223,865
   This role involves designing and evaluating complex engineering projects while leading teams to successful completion. Professionals often work for technology companies, shaping innovative solutions that meet business needs. Leading firms in the area include Cisco and Intel, which value experience in cutting-edge technology.
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2. Solution Architect
   Average Salary: $216,934
   In this position, individuals create solutions fit for various technical needs, ensuring alignment with business goals. Key players in the local market seek architects who excel in software development and systems integration. Companies like VMware look for talent that can drive their architectural vision forward.
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3. Solutions Architect
   Average Salary: $215,466
   This job requires a deep understanding of both technology and business strategy to develop comprehensive system designs. Employers in Santa Clara appreciate architects who can communicate effectively with both technical teams and stakeholders. Firms such as Broadcom often seek skilled professionals to improve their service offerings.
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4. Architect
   Average Salary: $200,979
   Professionals in this role focus on high-level design and implementation of software systems. They play a critical role in ensuring that products function smoothly and efficiently. Local companies like Google value architects who blend creativity with technical expertise.
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5. DevOps Engineer
   Average Salary: $194,937
   DevOps Engineers streamline development and operations processes to improve productivity. They bring together software development and IT operations, promoting faster releases with fewer issues. Major employers like Apple prioritize candidates with experience in automation and cloud services.
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6. Machine Learning Engineer
   Average Salary: $193,767
   This role involves developing algorithms that enable machines to learn from data and make predictions. Professionals contribute to advancements in AI and data science, which are vital for many tech enterprises. Companies like LinkedIn actively seek engineers skilled in machine learning to enhance their analytics.
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7. Research Associate
   Average Salary: $193,148
   Research Associates conduct studies to advance technology and innovation within their organizations. They often collaborate with scientists and engineers to push boundaries in areas like AI and robotics. Many firms in the Silicon Valley area encourage cutting-edge research and development.
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8. Technical Programs Manager
   Average Salary: $192,143
   Technical Programs Managers oversee complex technology projects from conception to completion, ensuring they meet deadlines and budgets. They often coordinate between different departments and stakeholders to drive project success. Firms including Netflix value effective managers who excel in communication and organization.
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9. Integration Engineer
   Average Salary: $191,003
   Integration Engineers focus on connecting various software and systems to work seamlessly together. They play a vital role in ensuring that technology investments deliver maximum value for firms. Local leaders such as PayPal look for experts to enhance their operational efficiency.
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10. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $186,942
    Firmware Engineers develop and maintain the software that operates hardware devices. They work closely with product teams to ensure that devices perform as intended. Companies like Nvidia look for skilled engineers to enhance their advanced technology products.
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1. Restaurant Manager
   Average Salary: $79,065
   This role involves overseeing daily operations in dining establishments. Managers ensure customer satisfaction while maintaining high service standards. Companies like Chipotle and Peet's Coffee in the area often seek skilled leaders for their teams.
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2. Recreation Assistant
   Average Salary: $60,160
   Recreation assistants help plan and lead activities in community centers and parks. They engage with a variety of age groups, fostering a fun and safe environment. Organizations such as the Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department frequently hire dedicated individuals for this role.
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3. Server Assistant
   Average Salary: $50,392
   In this job, employees support waitstaff by delivering food and drinks to tables. They also help keep dining areas clean and organized. Local restaurants, like the Olive Garden, often look for friendly faces to join their teams.
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4. To Go Specialist
   Average Salary: $49,351
   To Go specialists ensure that meals ordered for takeout are prepared and packed correctly. They communicate with customers to provide the best service possible. Many restaurants, including Panera Bread, depend on these employees for their takeaway services.
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5. Housekeeping
   Average Salary: $45,736
   Housekeepers maintain cleanliness and order in hotels and residential buildings. This role requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic. Well-known hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton often recruit reliable individuals for their housekeeping teams.
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6. Yard Worker
   Average Salary: $45,337
   Yard workers perform tasks related to gardening and landscaping upkeep. Their responsibilities include mowing, weeding, and planting. Landscaping companies in the area, such as BrightView, regularly seek dedicated laborers for these positions.
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7. Floor Tech
   Average Salary: $44,191
   Floor technicians focus on maintaining and cleaning floors in various facilities. They use specialized equipment to ensure surfaces look their best. Businesses like schools and offices in Santa Clara rely on these professionals for quality floor care.
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8. Line Cook
   Average Salary: $43,194
   Line cooks prepare food items according to restaurant recipes and standards. They work as part of a kitchen team to produce high-quality meals in a fast-paced environment. Local restaurants such as The Counter often need skilled cooks to join their kitchens.
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9. Service Team Member
   Average Salary: $41,564
   Service team members assist in delivering excellent customer service in food establishments. They take orders, serve food, and ensure a pleasant dining experience for guests. Fast-food chains like In-N-Out Burger often have openings for these positions.
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10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $40,954
    Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces, including gardens and lawns. They work with plants, trees, and soil to create beautiful environments. Companies like ValleyCrest Landscaping frequently hire passionate individuals to enhance local landscapes.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Santa Clara, CA
    

1. NVIDIA
   Average Salary: $216,987
   NVIDIA is a leader in graphics processing and AI technology, known for its innovative products and solutions.
   




2. Apple
   Average Salary: $205,239
   Apple designs and manufactures consumer electronics, software, and online services, celebrated for its commitment to quality.
   




3. Oski Technology
   Average Salary: $204,493
   Oski Technology focuses on software development and technology solutions, helping clients improve their operations.
   




4. Pure Storage
   Average Salary: $203,897
   Pure Storage provides data storage solutions aimed at modernizing how organizations manage their data.
   




5. ServiceNow
   Average Salary: $197,466
   ServiceNow is a digital workflow company that helps organizations manage their IT services and improve efficiency.
   




6. d-Matrix
   Average Salary: $194,252
   d-Matrix delivers AI solutions and visual computing technologies, enabling businesses to innovate faster.
   




7. Palo Alto Networks
   Average Salary: $192,681
   Palo Alto Networks specializes in cybersecurity, offering advanced solutions to protect businesses from cyber threats.
   




8. Qualcomm
   Average Salary: $192,628
   Qualcomm is a telecommunications company known for its role in developing wireless technology and semiconductors.
   




9. Ampere Computing
   Average Salary: $173,965
   Ampere Computing focuses on cloud-native processors, aiming to deliver high performance for data centers.
   




10. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $171,154
    Intel Corporation is a recognized leader in semiconductor manufacturing, known for its innovation in computing technologies.
    

Santa Clara, CA, has a cost of living index that significantly exceeds the national average of 100. In housing, the index stands at an astounding 294.5, indicating that housing costs are nearly three times higher than the average across the country. This high figure reflects the competitive real estate market in the area, making it vital for job seekers to plan their budgets accordingly.

Groceries in Santa Clara also demonstrate higher costs, with an index of 123.8, meaning grocery prices are about 23.8% higher than the nationwide average. Utilities and transportation follow suit, with indices of 119.7 and 134.2 respectively. This shows a general trend of higher ongoing living expenses in Santa Clara. However, healthcare costs are relatively more manageable, at 108.5, highlighting the importance of considering overall living expenses when relocating for work. Understanding these figures can help professionals make informed choices about their potential employment in this vibrant area.