▼5%
$178,269
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$150k
MEDIAN
$178k
90%
$217k
The average salary for a Staff Software Engineer is $178,269 in 2025
Base Salary
$150k - $217k
Bonus
$12k - $60k
Total Pay
$150k - $225k
Is Average Mid-Career Staff Software Engineer with Software Development Skills Salary in San Francisco, California your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Staff Software Engineers?
What Do Staff Software Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Staff Software Engineer
Medical
100%
Dental
90%
Vision
90%
Gender Breakdown for Staff Software Engineers
Male
73.3%
Female
20.0%
Prefer to self-define
6.7%
This data is based on 15 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Staff Software Engineers
What is the highest pay for Staff Software Engineers in San Francisco?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Staff Software Engineer in San Francisco is $217k / year
What is the lowest pay for Staff Software Engineers in San Francisco?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Staff Software Engineer in San Francisco is $150k / year
How can Staff Software Engineers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Staff Software 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 Software Engineer that oversees more junior Staff Software Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.