▼47%
$151,325
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$123k
MEDIAN
$151k
90%
$184k
The average salary for a Staff Engineer is $151,325 in 2025
Base Salary
$123k - $184k
Bonus
$6k - $32k
Profit Sharing
$10k - $28k
Total Pay
$127k - $208k
Is Average Experienced Staff Engineer Salary in San Diego, California your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Staff Engineers?
What Do Staff Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Staff Engineer
Medical
100%
Dental
94%
Vision
88%
Gender Breakdown for Staff Engineers
Male
80.0%
Female
20.0%
This data is based on 15 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Staff Engineers
What is the highest pay for Staff Engineers in San Diego?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Staff Engineer in San Diego is $184k / year
What is the lowest pay for Staff Engineers in San Diego?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Staff Engineer in San Diego is $123k / year
How can Staff Engineers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Staff Engineer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Staff Engineer that oversees more junior Staff Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.