Overview Salaries

Salaries in Sunnyvale, CA

Updated on Dec 10, 2025
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What is the average salary in Sunnyvale, CA?

The average salary in Sunnyvale, CA is $143,984 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $143,984 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $11,999 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $2,769 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Sunnyvale, CA, showing an average salary of $69 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Sunnyvale, CA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $143,984. This figure reflects the diverse industries present, including technology, finance, and healthcare. Many positions offer salaries that exceed this average, making Sunnyvale an attractive place for job seekers.


Some of the top-paying industries in Sunnyvale include software development, biotechnology, and engineering. These fields often provide salaries that range from $124,336 to over $273,500 per year. Job seekers in these areas can expect to find rewarding positions with excellent compensation packages. Additionally, the cost of living in Sunnyvale is relatively high, but the higher salaries help balance this out.

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What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities in the tech industry. Principal Engineers, Test Automation Engineers, and Architects lead the list with average salaries above $200,000. These roles demand specialized skills and experience, making them highly competitive and rewarding. Wireless Engineers, Solutions Architects, and Firmware Engineers also provide lucrative career paths in Sunnyvale. These positions require a deep understanding of technology and innovation, with average salaries well over $200,000. Job seekers with the right expertise can find excellent opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $224,110 and Integration Engineer with the lowest at $196,878.

  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $224,110
    This role involves leading software development projects. It requires strong technical skills and experience. Companies like Apple and Google offer such roles.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Test Automation Engineer
    Average Salary: $210,330
    This position focuses on creating automated tests to ensure software quality. It's a key role in tech companies. Firms like Oracle and Cisco hire for this role.
    Find Test Automation Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Architect
    Average Salary: $208,445
    Architects design and oversee construction projects. They work with clients and contractors. Companies like Autodesk and VMware need skilled architects.
    Find Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $205,519
    This role involves developing and testing wireless communication systems. It requires a deep understanding of electronics. Qualcomm and Intel are known for hiring wireless engineers.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $204,512
    Solutions architects design systems to meet business needs. They work with stakeholders to create effective solutions. Companies like Microsoft and IBM seek these professionals.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $201,475
    This role involves writing software for embedded systems. It requires knowledge of hardware and software. Companies like Intel and AMD hire firmware engineers.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $200,926
    Machine learning engineers develop algorithms for data analysis. They work with large datasets. Google and Facebook are known for hiring these experts.
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  8. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $200,869
    Staff engineers lead teams and projects. They require strong technical skills and leadership. Companies like Apple and Google offer these roles.
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  9. Product Designer
    Average Salary: $196,949
    Product designers create user-friendly products. They work with engineers and marketers. Companies like Apple and Tesla hire product designers.
    Find Product Designer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $196,878
    Integration engineers ensure systems work together. They require strong problem-solving skills. Companies like Cisco and Oracle hire these professionals.
    Find Integration Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree?

Sunnyvale, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. These roles provide good earning potential and are accessible to many job seekers. For instance, a Line Cook can earn an average of $47,411 annually. Other top-paying positions include Server Assistant, Dishwasher, and Service Team Member, all offering salaries above $40,000 per year. These jobs are ideal for those seeking steady income without the need for higher education. Roles like Barista, Server, and Groundskeeper also provide competitive wages. Kitchen Team Member and Housekeeping positions round out the list, offering salaries that support a comfortable lifestyle. These opportunities allow individuals to start or advance their careers in a thriving job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Sunnyvale, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $47,411 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $37,352.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $47,411
    Prepare meals in fast-paced environments. Work in local restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in food preparation and kitchen operations.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,273
    Support servers in busy dining areas. Serve food and drinks to customers. Learn about customer service and restaurant management.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $42,923
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Work in various dining establishments to gain kitchen experience.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,482
    Assist with table setup and customer service. Serve food and drinks to guests. Learn about hospitality and customer interaction.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,218
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers in cafes and restaurants. Gain skills in customer service and food preparation.
    Find Barista jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $41,409
    Take orders and serve food to customers. Manage tables and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Develop skills in customer service and multitasking.
    Find Server jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $40,734
    Maintain the grounds of parks and facilities. Perform landscaping tasks and garden care. Work outdoors in a variety of settings.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,009
    Assist in kitchen tasks and food preparation. Support chefs and cooks. Gain experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,352
    Clean and maintain rooms and common areas. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Work in hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Sunnyvale, CA?

Sunnyvale, CA, is home to some of the highest-paying companies in the tech industry. Apple, DoorDash, and Google lead the way, offering average salaries well above $200,000. These companies attract top talent with competitive compensation packages, making Sunnyvale a prime location for job seekers aiming for high earnings. Companies like Uber, Synopsys, and Walmart also provide attractive salaries, with averages around $190,000. Amazon Web Services, Sam's Club, Illumio, and SpaceX follow closely behind, offering salaries that exceed $170,000. These figures highlight the strong job market in Sunnyvale for those seeking well-paying opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Sunnyvale, CA, highlighting Apple with the highest at $208,709 and SpaceX with the lowest at $174,448.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,709
    Apple is a tech giant known for its innovative products. It offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.


  2. DoorDash
    Average Salary: $208,458
    DoorDash is a leading food delivery service. It provides a good salary and opportunities for career growth.


  3. Google
    Average Salary: $207,870
    Google is a tech powerhouse known for its search engine and many other services. It offers high salaries and a collaborative culture.


  4. Uber
    Average Salary: $192,917
    Uber is a global ride-sharing company. It provides a competitive salary and a fast-paced work environment.


  5. Synopsys
    Average Salary: $191,840
    Synopsys is a software company focused on semiconductor design. It offers a good salary and a stable work environment.


  6. Walmart
    Average Salary: $190,932
    Walmart is a global retail giant. It offers a competitive salary and many opportunities for advancement.


  7. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $189,553
    AWS is a leading cloud services provider. It offers a high salary and a chance to work on cutting-edge technology.


  8. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $186,513
    Sam's Club is a membership-based warehouse club. It offers a good salary and a supportive work environment.


  9. Illumio
    Average Salary: $179,338
    Illumio is a cybersecurity company. It offers a competitive salary and a focus on innovation.


  10. SpaceX
    Average Salary: $174,448
    SpaceX is a space exploration company. It offers a good salary and the chance to work on exciting projects.

How does the cost of living in Sunnyvale, CA compare to the national average?

Sunnyvale, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Sunnyvale stands at 180, which is 80% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 284% of the national average. Other categories like groceries and utilities also show significant increases, making Sunnyvale a more expensive place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for Sunnyvale, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 184% higher, groceries 42% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 18% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 28% higher.

Sunnyvale, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for housing in Sunnyvale is 284, which is 184% of the national average. This means that housing costs in Sunnyvale are nearly three times higher than the average cost across the country. For those seeking employment in Sunnyvale, this significant increase in housing costs is a critical factor to consider.


In addition to housing, other expenses in Sunnyvale also exceed the national average. Groceries, for example, have a cost of living index of 142, which is 42% higher than the average. Utilities and transportation costs are also elevated, with indices of 120 and 118, respectively. These costs are 20% and 18% higher than the national average. Healthcare and miscellaneous expenses also show increases, with indices of 115 and 128, which are 15% and 28% higher than the average. Job seekers should be aware that while Sunnyvale offers many professional opportunities, the higher cost of living will impact their overall budget and lifestyle choices.

There are 1,801 job openings in Sunnyvale, CA, today!

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Sunnyvale, CA
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