Position
Salary

How much does a Staff Engineer make?

The average salary for a Staff Engineer is $163,048 per year in the US.

Staff Engineers have a solid reputation in the tech world. They often lead projects and guide junior engineers. Their work is highly valued, and so is their pay. The average yearly salary for a Staff Engineer stands at approximately $163,048. This figure reflects the experience and expertise these professionals bring to the table.

The salary range for Staff Engineers can vary quite a bit. The bottom 10% earn about $66,050, while the top 10% can earn upwards of $258,000. Most Staff Engineers fall in the middle, earning between $100,950 and $188,200 annually. This range shows the potential for growth and the value of experience in this role. For those aiming to climb the career ladder, becoming a Staff Engineer is a rewarding goal.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Engineer?

Staff engineers in San Francisco, CA, enjoy one of the highest average salaries in the country at $222,035. Los Angeles, CA, and Seattle, WA, follow closely with average salaries over $190,000. Other top-paying cities include San Jose, CA, and Baltimore, MD, offering competitive compensation packages for experienced professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Staff Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $222,035 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $174,766.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $222,035
    In San Francisco, tech innovation thrives. Many companies focus on cutting-edge technology. Opportunities abound in a vibrant startup scene.
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  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $200,036
    Los Angeles offers diverse engineering roles. Companies here value creativity and skill. The city has many chances for career growth.
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  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $190,127
    Seattle's tech industry is booming. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft thrive here. The city offers many engineering positions.
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  4. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $189,212
    Baltimore has a growing tech scene. The city offers a mix of established firms and startups. It's a great place for engineers looking to innovate.
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  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $186,958
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. It offers many opportunities for experienced engineers. Companies here innovate constantly, offering dynamic roles.
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  6. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $181,307
    Hartford combines a smaller city feel with big opportunities. Many tech firms seek skilled engineers here. The city has a mix of roles and industries.
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  7. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $180,614
    Huntsville's tech sector focuses on aerospace and defense. It offers unique engineering challenges. Companies here value strong technical skills.
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  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $178,941
    San Diego has a diverse tech scene. The city offers a mix of startups and established firms. Engineers here enjoy a good quality of life.
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  9. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $177,744
    Colorado Springs has a strong tech and defense sector. The city offers many engineering positions. It’s a great place for those interested in innovation.
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  10. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $174,766
    Washington, DC offers engineering roles in tech and government sectors. Many firms seek skilled engineers here. The city provides many career opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Staff Engineer can work for?

Sigma Computing leads the way with an average salary of $255,000 for Staff Engineer roles. Apple, with an average salary of $247,531, and Rippling, at $247,500, follow closely behind. Uber pays its Staff Engineers an average of $237,400, showcasing a highly competitive market. Samsung Electronics offers $229,719, while Google and Intuit provide $229,528 and $228,568, respectively. Coupang, Verkada, and Intuitive Surgical round out the list with salaries ranging from $225,050 to $221,054. These figures highlight the value these companies place on engineering talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Staff Engineer jobs, highlighting Sigma Computing with the highest at $255,000 and Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical) with the lowest at $221,054.
  1. Sigma Computing
    Average Salary: $255,000
    Sigma Computing offers dynamic roles for Staff Engineers, focusing on innovative software solutions. They operate in major tech hubs, including San Francisco, New York, and Austin. Staff Engineers work on challenging projects that drive their business forward.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $247,531
    At Apple, Staff Engineers play a key role in crafting cutting-edge technology. They work in locations like Cupertino, California, and Austin, Texas. Apple’s Staff Engineers contribute to iconic products and services that shape the future of technology.


  3. Rippling
    Average Salary: $247,500
    Rippling is a fast-growing company where Staff Engineers drive innovation in HR and business solutions. Operating from San Francisco, California, these engineers work on projects that enhance business efficiency and employee experience.


  4. Uber
    Average Salary: $237,400
    Uber offers exciting opportunities for Staff Engineers to shape the future of transportation. Based in San Francisco, California, they work on projects that improve ride-sharing and logistics. Staff Engineers here innovate to make urban mobility seamless.


  5. Samsung Electronics
    Average Salary: $229,719
    Samsung Electronics provides diverse roles for Staff Engineers in tech innovation. Located in Suwon, South Korea, and other global offices, they work on advanced projects in consumer electronics, semiconductors, and more, driving the future of technology.


  6. Google
    Average Salary: $229,528
    Google offers high-impact roles for Staff Engineers, focusing on internet services and technology. They operate in key locations like Mountain View, California, and New York, New York. Here, Staff Engineers develop products that billions of people use every day.


  7. Intuit
    Average Salary: $228,568
    Intuit provides innovative opportunities for Staff Engineers in finance and software. They are based in Mountain View, California, and other major cities. Staff Engineers at Intuit develop tools that help people manage their finances with ease.


  8. Coupang
    Average Salary: $225,050
    Coupang offers exciting roles for Staff Engineers in the e-commerce sector. Based in Seoul, South Korea, and other global offices, they work on projects that push the boundaries of online retail and logistics.


  9. Verkada
    Average Salary: $222,596
    Verkada offers innovative roles for Staff Engineers in security and building management. They operate from San Francisco, California, and other locations. Staff Engineers here develop solutions that enhance building security and operations.


  10. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $221,054
    Intuitive Surgical provides significant roles for Staff Engineers in the medical technology sector. Located in Sunnyvale, California, and other global offices, they work on projects that advance robotic surgery and patient care.

How to earn more as a Staff Engineer?

Staff Engineers have a key role in any tech company. They lead projects and guide junior engineers. One way to increase earnings is by gaining more experience and taking on leadership roles. This often means managing larger projects and teams. Each success can lead to higher pay.

Skills in high demand can also lead to higher earnings. Engineers who master cutting-edge technologies or have certifications in specialized areas often find better-paying jobs. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends can open doors to higher-paying positions. Here are some important factors to consider:

  1. Experience: Gaining years of experience in the field can lead to higher pay.
  2. Leadership: Leading teams and projects often results in higher salaries.
  3. Specialized Skills: Mastering technologies in demand can increase earning potential.
  4. Certifications: Certifications in specialized areas can boost a resume.
  5. Continuous Learning: Staying updated with industry trends helps in finding better-paying jobs.

Currently 381 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
381 Job Openings