Research Summary. Our team of data experts at Zippia has analyzed public government data, company insights, and thousands of job postings to identify high-earning positions at Google and their average annual salaries. Based on this comprehensive data set, we have compiled salary estimates for various roles at Google.
Here’s a snapshot of the highest-paying jobs at Google in 2026:
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Research Scientist holds the top position with an average salary of $167,427, translating to an hourly rate of $80.49.
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The second highest-paying role is Information Technology Project Manager, earning an average salary of $153,565.
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On average, Google employees earn around $140,774 annually, which breaks down to approximately $67.68 per hour.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Knowing the highest-paying positions at a desired company can help candidates make informed decisions. If Google is your target employer, understanding the lucrative roles available can guide your application strategy.
Compensation at Google varies based on factors such as job role, experience level, and geographic location. However, several standout positions consistently offer higher salaries. Below are some of the top salaries at Google:
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the highest-paying jobs at Google, followed by an overview of our methodology.
Highest Paying Jobs At Google
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research Scientist | |
| 2 | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| 3 | Application Software Developer | |
| 4 | Program Manager | |
| 5 | Strategist | |
| 6 | Interactive Designer | |
| 7 | Software Engineer | |
| 8 | Data Scientist | |
| 9 | Hardware Engineer | |
| 10 | Solutions Consultant | |
| 11 | Systems Integrator | |
| 12 | Product Specialist | |
| 13 | User Experience Researcher | |
| 14 | Quantitative Analyst | |
| 15 | Business Analyst | |
| 16 | Programming Specialist | |
| 17 | Operations Associate |
Methodology
At Zippia, we rely on publicly available information from government sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate our salary estimates.
Our data science team also analyzes job postings and company resources to ensure our salary figures are current and accurate.
Once the data is compiled, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title. For further details on our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest Paying Jobs At Google FAQs
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What is the highest-paid job at Google?
The highest-paid job at Google is a Research Scientist. These professionals earn an average salary of $167,427, equating to about $80.49 per hour.
The top 10 highest-paid jobs at Google are:
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What is a good salary at Google?
A good salary at Google is above $140,774 per year. This figure represents the average salary at Google. If you earn more, you’re generally doing well.
However, this average may still be insufficient for certain roles, so it’s crucial to research the expected compensation for your specific position, skills, and experience. If you find your salary below average, consider discussing a raise or opportunities for advancement.
Your salary can also vary by location, as Google adjusts its pay scales to reflect the cost of living in different regions. For example, salaries for Google employees in California are likely higher than those in the Midwest.
It’s advisable to check average salaries for Google employees in your area to gauge how your compensation compares.
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Do jobs at Google pay well?
Yes, jobs at Google offer competitive salaries. The average starting salary at Google is approximately $105,000 per year, or $50.48 per hour. The overall average salary is $140,774 annually ($67.68 per hour), which is significantly higher than the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
For context, Meta, one of Google’s primary competitors, has an average salary of $155,739 per year or $74.87 per hour, representing a difference of about $14,965 more than Google’s average salary and $7.19 more per hour.
In summary, as of 2026, Google continues to provide some of the highest salaries in the tech industry. Understanding these figures can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths and salary expectations.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
