Position
Salary

How much does a Staff Engineer make?

The average salary for a Staff Engineer is $145,220 per year in the US.

Staff Engineers play a key role in many tech companies. They work on complex projects and help lead teams. The average yearly salary for a Staff Engineer is around $145,220. This salary can vary based on experience and location. Many Staff Engineers earn between $62,300 and $247,500 each year.

The salary range shows that Staff Engineers can make a good living. Those with more experience and in high-demand areas often earn more. For example, some top earners make over $247,500 a year. This salary reflects the important work they do and the skills they bring to the table. Companies value their ability to solve tough problems and lead projects.

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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 $218,052. Seattle, WA, and Baltimore, MD, follow closely with average salaries of $195,927 and $192,221, respectively. These cities offer competitive compensation packages for skilled professionals in the engineering field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Staff Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $218,052 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $162,353.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $218,052
    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


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $195,927
    Seattle is home to tech leaders like Amazon and Microsoft. Professionals here enjoy a blend of innovation and natural beauty. The city's tech culture fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking atmosphere.
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  3. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $192,221
    Baltimore offers a mix of tech startups and established companies. Working in this city means being part of a growing tech community. The cost of living is reasonable, making it an attractive option for many.
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  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $190,509
    Los Angeles is a hub for entertainment and tech, with companies like Netflix and Hulu. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and a diverse work environment. The city's tech scene is expanding rapidly.
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  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $182,568
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, home to tech giants like Apple and Intel. Working here means being at the center of tech innovation. The city offers a dynamic and competitive work environment.
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  6. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $178,104
    Hartford offers a mix of tech companies and financial institutions. Professionals here enjoy a balanced lifestyle with a strong sense of community. The city's tech scene is growing, offering new opportunities.
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  7. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $175,100
    Colorado Springs is known for its tech startups and military presence. Working here means being part of a growing tech community. The city offers a high quality of life with beautiful surroundings.
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  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $168,314
    San Diego is a tech hub with companies like Qualcomm and eBay. Professionals here enjoy a mild climate and a vibrant lifestyle. The city's tech scene is diverse and innovative.
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  9. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $166,806
    Huntsville is a tech and aerospace hub, home to NASA and other tech companies. Working here means being part of a cutting-edge industry. The city offers a strong sense of community and a lower cost of living.
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  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $162,353
    Austin is a tech and music hub, home to companies like Dell and Apple. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and a growing tech scene. The city offers a dynamic and innovative environment.
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What are the best companies a Staff Engineer can work for?

Apple, Rippling, and Samsung Electronics offer some of the highest salaries for Staff Engineer positions. Apple leads with an average salary of $244,733, followed by Rippling at $239,552. Samsung Electronics provides an average salary of $237,119. These companies value skilled engineers and offer competitive compensation packages. Other notable companies include Uber, Coupang, and Arm, all providing average salaries above $230,000. Verkada, American Express, General Motors, and Okta also offer attractive salaries for Staff Engineers, ranging from $210,000 to $212,647. These companies recognize the importance of experienced engineers and reward them with generous pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Staff Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $244,733 and Okta with the lowest at $210,038.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $244,733
    Apple offers exciting Staff Engineer roles across its global locations, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. Staff Engineers at Apple work on cutting-edge technology and innovative projects. They collaborate with top talent to push the boundaries of what is possible.


  2. Rippling
    Average Salary: $239,552
    Rippling provides Staff Engineer positions with a focus on HR and IT solutions. The company operates in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Staff Engineers at Rippling work on projects that streamline business operations and improve employee experiences.


  3. Samsung Electronics
    Average Salary: $237,119
    Samsung Electronics offers Staff Engineer roles in various tech fields. The company has a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Staff Engineers at Samsung work on developing next-generation electronics and innovative solutions.


  4. Uber
    Average Salary: $234,767
    Uber offers Staff Engineer positions in tech hubs around the world. The company operates in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Staff Engineers at Uber work on projects that enhance the ride-sharing experience and improve transportation efficiency.


  5. Coupang
    Average Salary: $231,934
    Coupang provides Staff Engineer roles in its tech centers. The company operates in Asia and the United States. Staff Engineers at Coupang work on projects that drive the growth of the e-commerce giant and improve customer experience.


  6. Arm
    Average Salary: $223,829
    Arm offers Staff Engineer positions in the tech industry. The company has a global presence, with operations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Staff Engineers at Arm work on developing cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.


  7. Verkada
    Average Salary: $212,647
    Verkada provides Staff Engineer roles in the security tech field. The company operates in the United States and Europe. Staff Engineers at Verkada work on projects that enhance security solutions and improve building management.


  8. American Express
    Average Salary: $212,500
    American Express offers Staff Engineer positions in the financial tech sector. The company operates globally, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia. Staff Engineers at American Express work on projects that improve financial services and customer experience.


  9. General Motors
    Average Salary: $211,458
    General Motors provides Staff Engineer roles in the automotive industry. The company operates in North America, Europe, and Asia. Staff Engineers at General Motors work on projects that drive innovation in electric and autonomous vehicles.


  10. Okta
    Average Salary: $210,038
    Okta offers Staff Engineer positions in the identity and access management sector. The company operates globally, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia. Staff Engineers at Okta work on projects that enhance security and improve user experiences.

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 fast-paced tech industry. Attending workshops, earning certifications, and participating in advanced training programs can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Networking with industry professionals and joining relevant groups can also open doors to better job offers.

Gaining experience in different areas of technology and mastering multiple programming languages can make a Staff Engineer more versatile and valuable. Taking on leadership roles, such as managing projects or mentoring junior engineers, can lead to higher positions and salaries. Seeking out roles in high-demand areas, such as artificial intelligence or cybersecurity, can also result in better compensation. Lastly, negotiating salary and benefits during job offers can help maximize earnings.

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

  1. Continuous learning and skill development
  2. Networking and professional groups
  3. Gaining experience in various technologies
  4. Taking on leadership roles
  5. Seeking roles in high-demand areas

Currently 448 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
448 Job Openings