Staff Engineer Staff Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Staff Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on Sep 14, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Staff Engineer make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a Staff Engineer is $229,035 per year in San Francisco, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $229,035 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $19,086 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $4,405 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $110 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In San Francisco, California, Staff Engineers enjoy competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for a Staff Engineer stands at around $229,035. This figure places the role in a highly lucrative position within the tech-heavy landscape of the city. The salary range can vary based on experience and specific skills, offering room for growth and negotiation.

To give a clearer picture, the salary distribution among Staff Engineers in San Francisco shows a broad spectrum. The lowest 10% earn approximately $113,350 annually, while the highest 10% earn around $318,500 or more. This range highlights the potential for significant earnings as professionals gain more experience and advance in their careers. The data shows a steady increase in salary with each percentile, reflecting the value placed on seasoned engineering talent in the area.

Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
View all Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Engineer near San Francisco, CA?

Job seekers looking for a Staff Engineer position around San Francisco, CA, have several high-paying options nearby. Mountain View, CA, tops the list with an average salary of $243,386. Sunnyvale, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $219,358, making it another attractive location. Both cities offer strong opportunities for those seeking competitive compensation in the tech industry. Additionally, cities such as San Mateo, CA, and Redwood City, CA, offer average salaries of $210,833 and $198,825, respectively. These locations provide good prospects for those willing to explore beyond San Francisco. Overall, these cities present excellent opportunities for Staff Engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Staff Engineer jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Mountain View, CA with the highest at $243,386 and Santa Clara, CA with the lowest at $173,420.

  1. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $243,386
    Join tech giants in Mountain View, where innovation thrives. Companies like Google and Facebook offer cutting-edge projects and a collaborative environment. Working here means access to top-tier resources and a chance to shape the future of technology.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  2. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $219,358
    Sunnyvale is a hub for tech companies, offering diverse job opportunities. Work with firms like VMware and AMD to enhance software and hardware solutions. The city's vibrant atmosphere provides a dynamic work environment.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. San Mateo, CA
    Average Salary: $210,833
    In San Mateo, you’ll find a mix of startups and established companies. Companies like Dropbox and SailPoint provide a chance to innovate and grow. The city’s culture supports professional development and creativity.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Mateo, CA


  4. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $198,825
    Redwood City boasts a thriving tech scene, home to companies like GitHub and Exabeam. Here, you’ll find projects that push the boundaries of technology. The supportive community enhances both personal and professional growth.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $196,035
    San Jose is known for its tech industry. Companies like Cisco and eBay offer challenging roles. The city’s diverse business landscape ensures there are plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $184,968
    Palo Alto is a center for tech innovation. Companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Splunk provide exciting challenges. The city’s culture encourages creativity and professional advancement.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  7. South San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $181,686
    In South San Francisco, biotech and tech companies like Genentech and Illumina drive innovation. Working here means being at the forefront of scientific discovery. The city offers a unique blend of industry and opportunity.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  8. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $176,313
    Oakland features a dynamic job market with companies like Alibaba and Box. The city’s diverse industries provide a range of opportunities. Working here means being part of a forward-thinking community.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA


  9. Alameda, CA
    Average Salary: $175,958
    Alameda is home to a variety of tech firms. Companies like Oracle and Dolby Labs offer roles with significant impact. The city’s environment supports innovation and professional growth.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Alameda, CA


  10. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $173,420
    Santa Clara is a tech hub, with companies like Intel and Applied Materials. Working here means being part of a community that values innovation. The city offers a supportive environment for career advancement.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Staff Engineer in San Francisco, CA?

Several companies in San Francisco offer high salaries for Staff Engineer roles. Among them, Kickoff leads with an average salary of over $500,000. Companies like Faire, Salesforce, and Braze also provide competitive compensation. Other notable names include Quizlet, Uber, and Strava.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting Kickoff with the highest at $522,900 and DDN with the lowest at $237,480.

  1. Kickoff
    Average Salary: $522,900
    Kickoff is a top-tier company that offers Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA. At Kickoff, Staff Engineers work on advanced projects that drive the future of software development. They collaborate closely with teams across the company, focusing on innovation and efficiency. Kickoff’s office in San Francisco is a hub of creativity and technology.


  2. Faire
    Average Salary: $289,083
    Faire provides Staff Engineer roles in San Francisco, CA. Faire values experienced engineers who can contribute to its technology infrastructure. Staff Engineers at Faire work on scalable solutions to support the company’s growth. The office is located in the heart of San Francisco, offering a dynamic work environment.


  3. Salesforce
    Average Salary: $276,625
    Salesforce offers Staff Engineer positions in San Francisco, CA. At Salesforce, Staff Engineers play a key role in developing cutting-edge software. They work in a fast-paced environment to deliver innovative solutions. Salesforce’s San Francisco office is known for its collaborative culture and tech-driven approach.


  4. Braze
    Average Salary: $273,523
    Braze hires Staff Engineers in San Francisco, CA. At Braze, Staff Engineers focus on creating powerful customer engagement tools. They work on projects that impact millions of users worldwide. The San Francisco office is a modern workspace where creativity meets technology.


  5. Quizlet
    Average Salary: $267,667
    Quizlet offers Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA. At Quizlet, Staff Engineers build tools that help millions of learners. They develop solutions that enhance user experience and engagement. Quizlet’s San Francisco office fosters a culture of learning and innovation.


  6. Uber
    Average Salary: $262,443
    Uber provides Staff Engineer positions in San Francisco, CA. At Uber, Staff Engineers work on projects that shape the future of transportation. They build scalable and efficient systems to support global operations. The San Francisco office is a vibrant tech hub with a focus on mobility solutions.


  7. Strava
    Average Salary: $258,633
    Strava hires Staff Engineers in San Francisco, CA. At Strava, Staff Engineers develop products that empower athletes. They focus on creating engaging and user-friendly applications. The office is located in a tech-centric area of San Francisco, promoting a healthy work-life balance.


  8. Rippling
    Average Salary: $256,781
    Rippling offers Staff Engineer roles in San Francisco, CA. At Rippling, Staff Engineers work on software that simplifies HR and IT management. They develop solutions that improve efficiency and user experience. The San Francisco office is known for its collaborative and innovative atmosphere.


  9. Gallup
    Average Salary: $240,000
    Gallup provides Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA. At Gallup, Staff Engineers build tools that deliver insights and analytics. They focus on creating impactful software solutions. The San Francisco office supports a culture of continuous improvement and research.


  10. DDN
    Average Salary: $237,480
    DDN hires Staff Engineers in San Francisco, CA. At DDN, Staff Engineers work on projects that enhance data storage and management. They develop software that supports critical business functions. The San Francisco office is a modern workspace with a focus on technology and innovation.

Currently 333 Staff Engineer job openings, nationwide.

View Staff Engineer Jobs in San Francisco, 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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