How much does a Staff Engineer make?
Staff Engineers play a key role in many tech companies. They often work on complex projects and lead teams. Their skills and experience make them valuable. The average yearly salary for a Staff Engineer is around $148,466. This number can vary based on the company and location.
The salary for Staff Engineers can range widely. Some earn as little as $62,300 a year. Others can earn over $250,000. Most Staff Engineers fall somewhere in between. This range shows the potential for growth and the importance of experience and skills. Companies often offer bonuses and other benefits, which can add to the total compensation package.
What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Engineer?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $219,015
In San Francisco, tech giants like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. Working here means being at the forefront of innovation. The city's vibrant tech scene provides a dynamic environment for growth.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $198,680
Seattle is home to tech leaders like Amazon and Microsoft. Professionals here enjoy a mix of challenges and innovation. The city's culture supports a balanced work-life approach.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $193,347
Los Angeles offers a diverse tech landscape with companies like Disney and Warner Bros. Working here means being part of a creative and dynamic industry. The city's entertainment roots add a unique flair to tech work.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $192,231
Baltimore is a growing tech hub with companies like Under Armour and Black & Decker. Working here means contributing to innovative projects. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $182,865
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, home to tech giants like Intel and Cisco. Working here means being part of a cutting-edge industry. The city's tech-focused environment fosters professional growth.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $178,104
Hartford offers a mix of tech and insurance companies like Aetna and United Technologies. Working here means being part of a stable and innovative industry. The city provides a blend of urban and suburban living.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT
-
Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $174,818
Colorado Springs is a tech hub with companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Working here means being part of a dynamic defense and aerospace industry. The city offers a high quality of life.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in Colorado Springs, CO
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $170,273
San Diego offers a mix of tech and biotech companies like Qualcomm and Illumina. Working here means being part of a vibrant and growing industry. The city's beautiful weather adds to the quality of life.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $166,355
Huntsville is a tech hub with companies like NASA and Redstone Arsenal. Working here means being part of a cutting-edge aerospace industry. The city offers a mix of professional opportunities and a strong community.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL
-
Durham, NC
Average Salary: $164,969
Durham is a tech hub with companies like IBM and Cisco. Working here means being part of a growing and innovative industry. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living with a strong focus on education.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in Durham, NC
What are the best companies a Staff Engineer can work for?

-
Apple
Average Salary: $244,532
Apple offers exciting opportunities for Staff Engineers. They work on cutting-edge technology in locations like Cupertino, California, and other global offices. Apple values innovation and teamwork.
-
Rippling
Average Salary: $240,497
Rippling provides a dynamic environment for Staff Engineers. They focus on HR and IT solutions. The company operates in cities like San Francisco, California, and Austin, Texas. Rippling encourages creativity and growth.
-
Samsung Electronics
Average Salary: $237,119
Samsung Electronics offers rewarding roles for Staff Engineers. They work on a range of tech projects. The company has offices in South Korea, the USA, and other countries. Samsung values expertise and collaboration.
-
Uber
Average Salary: $235,500
Uber provides innovative opportunities for Staff Engineers. They work on transportation technology. The company operates in major cities worldwide. Uber fosters a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
-
Coupang
Average Salary: $232,007
Coupang offers exciting roles for Staff Engineers. They focus on e-commerce technology. The company is based in South Korea and the USA. Coupang values innovation and efficiency.
-
Arm
Average Salary: $223,318
Arm provides opportunities for Staff Engineers in the tech industry. They work on semiconductor technology. The company has offices in the UK, the USA, and other locations. Arm values expertise and teamwork.
-
General Motors
Average Salary: $215,807
General Motors offers roles for Staff Engineers in the automotive sector. They work on vehicle technology. The company operates in the USA and other countries. General Motors values innovation and quality.
-
Verkada
Average Salary: $213,750
Verkada provides opportunities for Staff Engineers in security technology. They focus on smart building solutions. The company operates in the USA and other locations. Verkada values innovation and security.
-
Okta
Average Salary: $213,367
Okta offers roles for Staff Engineers in identity management. They work on cloud security solutions. The company operates in the USA and other countries. Okta values innovation and security.
-
American Express
Average Salary: $212,500
American Express provides opportunities for Staff Engineers in financial technology. They work on payment solutions. The company operates in the USA and other countries. American Express values innovation and customer service.
How to earn more as a Staff Engineer?
A Staff Engineer can take several steps to increase their earnings. Focusing on professional growth and skill enhancement can lead to higher salary offers. Networking with industry professionals and staying updated on industry trends can open doors to better opportunities. Seeking out roles that offer higher compensation packages is also a smart strategy. Additionally, negotiating salary effectively can make a significant difference.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Gain Advanced Certifications: Earning certifications in specialized areas can boost earning potential.
- Seek Leadership Roles: Taking on more responsibility can lead to higher pay.
- Expand Skill Set: Learning new technologies and programming languages can make a candidate more valuable.
- Network Actively: Building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying job offers.
- Negotiate Salary: Being prepared to discuss and negotiate salary can result in a better offer.



