▼11%
$139,778
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$112k
MEDIAN
$140k
90%
$184k
The average salary for a Staff Engineer is $139,778 in 2025
Base Salary
$112k - $184k
Bonus
$8k - $28k
Profit Sharing
$3k - $25k
Total Pay
$113k - $204k
Is Average Mid-Career Staff Engineer Salary in San Jose, 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
94%
Dental
92%
Vision
89%
None
6%
Gender Breakdown for Staff Engineers
Male
52.9%
Female
41.2%
Prefer to self-define
5.9%
This data is based on 17 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Staff Engineers
What is the highest pay for Staff Engineers in San Jose?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Staff Engineer in San Jose is $184k / year
What is the lowest pay for Staff Engineers in San Jose?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Staff Engineer in San Jose is $112k / 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.