Staff Engineer Staff Engineer Salary in Palo Alto, CA

Staff Engineer Salary in Palo Alto, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Staff Engineer make in Palo Alto, CA?

The average salary for a Staff Engineer is $185,044 per year in Palo Alto, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $185,044 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $15,420 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $3,559 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $89 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Palo Alto, CA, Staff Engineers typically earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for these positions is $185,044. This figure can change based on several factors, including experience, specific skills, and the company's industry.

The salary for Staff Engineers in Palo Alto varies, but it often falls within a specific range. The lowest-paid staff engineers make about $129,000 per year, while the highest-paid staff engineers can earn more than $256,500 annually. Most positions, however, range between $163,773 and $221,727 per year.

Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA
View all Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Engineer near Palo Alto, CA?

Job seekers near Palo Alto can find excellent opportunities in nearby cities. Cupertino, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale offer the highest average salaries for Staff Engineer positions, with Cupertino topping the list at $246,156. These cities are close to Palo Alto, making them ideal for a smooth transition into higher-paying roles.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Staff Engineer jobs near Palo Alto, CA, highlighting Cupertino, CA with the highest at $246,156 and South San Francisco, CA with the lowest at $162,268.

  1. Cupertino, CA
    Average Salary: $246,156
    Cupertino offers a dynamic environment for tech professionals. Many companies here value innovation. Apple’s presence makes it a hub for cutting-edge projects.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Cupertino, CA


  2. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $218,473
    Mountain View is home to major tech giants like Google. Working here means access to top-tier projects. Opportunities for growth are abundant.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  3. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $202,770
    Sunnyvale has a thriving tech scene with companies like VMware. Here, you can find many roles that focus on software development. The city's community is welcoming to tech talent.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. San Mateo, CA
    Average Salary: $202,707
    San Mateo is known for its startup culture. It offers many opportunities in tech innovation. Companies here focus on creating impactful tech solutions.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Mateo, CA


  5. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $195,386
    Redwood City boasts a vibrant tech industry. Companies like Oracle are present. Working here means engaging in challenging and rewarding projects.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


  6. Saratoga, CA
    Average Salary: $190,000
    Saratoga is a growing tech hub. It offers many opportunities for tech professionals. The community is supportive, making it a great place to work.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Saratoga, CA


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $185,088
    San Jose is Silicon Valley’s heart. It’s a center for tech innovation. Companies here drive advancements in tech. Working here means being part of exciting projects.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $166,102
    Menlo Park is known for its tech companies, including Facebook. It’s a place where tech innovation thrives. Working here offers opportunities for impactful projects.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  9. Milpitas, CA
    Average Salary: $163,262
    Milpitas is home to tech companies like Flex. It’s a growing hub for tech innovation. Working here means engaging in cutting-edge projects.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA


  10. South San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $162,268
    South San Francisco is a key player in biotech and tech. Companies like Genentech offer many opportunities. Working here means being part of a growing industry.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in South San Francisco, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Staff Engineer in Palo Alto, CA?

Job seekers looking for a well-paying Staff Engineer role in Palo Alto, CA, will find MongoDB, Navan, and Tesla among the top choices. These companies offer competitive salaries, with MongoDB leading at an impressive $203,500. Tesla follows closely behind with a salary of $200,210. Navan rounds out the top three with a generous salary of $200,625. These figures present a strong opportunity for experienced engineers. GEICO, while not in the top three, still provides a solid salary of around $170,349. This figure can be attractive for those willing to consider this option. Securing a position with one of these companies can lead to both financial reward and professional growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA, highlighting MongoDB with the highest at $203,500 and GEICO with the lowest at $170,349.

  1. MongoDB
    Average Salary: $203,500
    MongoDB offers exciting opportunities for Staff Engineers in Palo Alto, CA. At MongoDB, Staff Engineers play a key role in developing and maintaining our database solutions. Our team works on cutting-edge technologies to provide reliable and scalable systems. We operate globally, impacting businesses worldwide.


  2. Navan
    Average Salary: $200,625
    At Navan, Staff Engineers in Palo Alto, CA are crucial in enhancing our expense management solutions. Navan helps companies streamline their financial operations. Our team focuses on creating efficient and user-friendly tools. Navan has offices across major cities, providing opportunities for growth and collaboration.


  3. Tesla
    Average Salary: $200,210
    Tesla offers dynamic roles for Staff Engineers in Palo Alto, CA. Here, Staff Engineers contribute to innovative projects in the automotive industry. Our team works on advancing electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions. Tesla operates in multiple locations globally, ensuring a diverse and impactful work environment.


  4. GEICO
    Average Salary: $170,349
    GEICO provides rewarding positions for Staff Engineers in Palo Alto, CA. At GEICO, Staff Engineers focus on developing insurance-related technologies. We aim to improve customer experiences and streamline operations. Our team benefits from GEICO's extensive network across the United States.

Currently 465 Staff Engineer job openings, nationwide.

View Staff Engineer Jobs in Palo Alto, CA

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

Learn what a Staff Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Staff Engineer today.
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