▼11%
$197,833
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$158k
MEDIAN
$198k
90%
$235k
The average salary for a Staff Software Engineer is $197,833 in 2025
Base Salary
$158k - $235k
Bonus
$11k - $40k
Profit Sharing
$10k - $48k
Total Pay
$166k - $255k
Is Average Staff Software Engineer 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
98%
Dental
95%
Vision
93%
None
2%
Gender Breakdown for Staff Software Engineers
Male
85.7%
Female
11.4%
Prefer to self-define
2.9%
This data is based on 35 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 $235k / 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 $158k / 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.