▼21%
$189,026
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$151k
MEDIAN
$189k
90%
$222k
The average salary for a Staff Software Engineer is $189,026 in 2025
Base Salary
$151k - $222k
Bonus
$11k - $36k
Profit Sharing
$40k - $59k
Total Pay
$174k - $287k
Is Average Experienced Staff Software Engineer with Software Architecture Skills Salary in San Jose, California your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Staff Software Engineers?
▲8%
What Do Staff Software Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Staff Software Engineer
Medical
100%
Dental
100%
Vision
100%
Gender Breakdown for Staff Software Engineers
Male
75.0%
Female
25.0%
This data is based on 8 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 Jose?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Staff Software Engineer in San Jose is $222k / year
What is the lowest pay for Staff Software Engineers in San Jose?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Staff Software Engineer in San Jose is $151k / 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.