Position
Salary

How much does a Staff Engineer make?

The average salary for a Staff Engineer is $141,043 per year in the US.

Staff engineers play a key role in many tech companies. They often lead projects and guide other engineers. Their work is very important, and their pay reflects this. The average yearly salary for a staff engineer is around $141,000. This means they earn a good living.

The salary for staff engineers can vary based on experience and location. Some earn less than $100,000, while others make over $200,000. Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York often offer higher salaries. Companies in Silicon Valley also tend to pay more. This range shows how valuable staff engineers are in the tech industry. Their skills and leadership make them a key part of any team.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Engineer?

Staff Engineers in San Francisco, CA, enjoy the highest average salary at $219,098. Seattle, WA, follows closely with an average salary of $196,601. These cities offer top-tier opportunities for those in the engineering field. Other cities like Los Angeles, CA, and San Jose, CA, also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive locations for job seekers. Baltimore, MD, and Hartford, CT, round out the list of cities with strong average salaries for Staff Engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Staff Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $219,098 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $157,525.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $219,098
    In San Francisco, tech innovation thrives. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting challenges. The city's vibrant culture enhances the work experience.
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  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $196,601
    Seattle is home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. The city's dynamic environment fosters growth. Employees enjoy a mix of work and outdoor activities.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $190,373
    Baltimore offers a blend of tech and tradition. Companies like Under Armour and Black & Decker provide diverse opportunities. The city's rich history adds to the experience.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $183,503
    Los Angeles is a hub for entertainment and tech. Firms like Netflix and Electronic Arts offer dynamic roles. The city's diverse culture enriches the professional life.
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  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $181,949
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. Companies like Intel and Cisco provide cutting-edge projects. The city's tech-focused community is very supportive.
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  6. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $178,850
    Hartford offers a mix of tech and insurance. Companies like Aetna and United Technologies provide stable roles. The city's historic charm adds to the appeal.
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  7. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $175,589
    Colorado Springs is a tech and military hub. Firms like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon offer unique opportunities. The scenic beauty of the Rockies enhances the lifestyle.
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  8. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $168,511
    Huntsville is known for its aerospace industry. Companies like NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne provide exciting work. The city's friendly atmosphere makes it welcoming.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $166,173
    San Diego offers a blend of tech and leisure. Companies like Qualcomm and eBay provide innovative projects. The city's beautiful beaches add to the quality of life.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $157,525
    Austin is a vibrant tech hub. Companies like Dell and Apple offer exciting challenges. The city's live music scene and outdoor activities make it a great place to work.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Staff Engineer can work for?

HashiCorp, Rippling, and Coupang offer some of the highest salaries for Staff Engineer positions. These companies value skilled engineers and provide competitive compensation packages. Samsung Electronics, Arm, and Verkada also rank high in pay, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Staff Engineer jobs, highlighting HashiCorp with the highest at $255,219 and General Motors with the lowest at $206,647.
  1. HashiCorp
    Average Salary: $255,219
    HashiCorp offers exciting Staff Engineer roles with a focus on developing infrastructure as code. They operate in various locations, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. Their team works on innovative projects that shape the future of cloud computing.


  2. Rippling
    Average Salary: $237,915
    Rippling provides cloud-based HR and IT solutions. Staff Engineers at Rippling play a key role in creating and maintaining these solutions. The company has offices in the United States and Europe, offering a dynamic work environment.


  3. Coupang
    Average Salary: $234,762
    Coupang, an e-commerce giant, seeks Staff Engineers to enhance its technology infrastructure. They operate in South Korea and the United States. Working here means being part of a fast-paced, innovative company.


  4. Uber
    Average Salary: $231,361
    Uber offers Staff Engineer positions focused on improving its ride-sharing platform. With global operations, Staff Engineers have the chance to work in various locations. They contribute to a company at the forefront of transportation technology.


  5. Samsung Electronics
    Average Salary: $231,149
    Samsung Electronics provides opportunities for Staff Engineers to work on cutting-edge technology. They operate worldwide, with major offices in South Korea and the United States. Staff Engineers here are part of a leading tech innovator.


  6. Arm
    Average Salary: $223,728
    Arm offers Staff Engineer roles in designing and developing semiconductor technology. They have offices in the United States and Europe. Working at Arm means being part of a company that shapes the future of computing.


  7. Verkada
    Average Salary: $214,167
    Verkada provides security technology solutions. Staff Engineers here work on innovative projects to enhance security systems. They operate in the United States, offering a chance to be part of a growing tech company.


  8. American Express
    Average Salary: $212,500
    American Express offers Staff Engineer roles focused on financial technology. They operate globally, with major offices in the United States and Europe. Working here means contributing to a leading financial services company.


  9. Okta
    Average Salary: $206,821
    Okta provides identity management solutions. Staff Engineers here work on projects to enhance security and user experience. They operate in the United States and Europe, offering a dynamic work environment.


  10. General Motors
    Average Salary: $206,647
    General Motors offers Staff Engineer roles in automotive technology. They operate in the United States and other global markets. Working here means being part of a company at the forefront of automotive innovation.

How to earn more as a Staff Engineer?

A Staff Engineer can increase their earnings through several key strategies. Focusing on continuous learning and skill development helps to stay ahead in the tech field. This includes mastering new programming languages, frameworks, and tools. Attending workshops, webinars, and conferences can also provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Building a strong portfolio of projects and contributions to open-source communities showcases expertise and dedication.

Gaining experience in high-demand areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity can lead to higher-paying positions. Seeking out leadership roles and taking on challenging projects can also open doors to promotions and salary increases. Networking with industry professionals and joining relevant professional organizations can provide access to job opportunities that offer better compensation. Lastly, negotiating salary effectively during job offers and performance reviews ensures fair compensation for skills and contributions.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Staff Engineer:

  1. Continuous learning and skill development
  2. Gaining expertise in high-demand areas
  3. Taking on leadership roles and challenging projects
  4. Networking with industry professionals
  5. Effective salary negotiation

Currently 528 Staff Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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.
Position
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Staff Engineer
528 Job Openings