Staff Software Engineer, Automation Salary in the United States

How much does a Staff Software Engineer, Automation make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Software Engineer, Automation in the United States is $122,826 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.

However, a Staff Software Engineer, Automation's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $137,238
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $115,124 to $130,370
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $108,112

Key Factors That Influence Staff Software Engineer, Automation Salaries

A Staff Software Engineer, Automation's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Staff Software Engineer, Automation Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Staff Software Engineer, Automation's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $81,754
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $96,815
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $122,271
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $144,559
  • Expert (over 8 years): $163,997
Levels Salary
Embedded ... Level Staff Software Engineer, Automation$81,754
Embedded ... Level Staff Software Engineer, Automation$96,815
Staff Sof... Level Staff Software Engineer, Automation$122,271
Embedded ... Level Staff Software Engineer, Automation$144,559
Embedded ... Level Staff Software Engineer, Automation$163,997

How Do Staff Software Engineer, Automation Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Staff Software Engineer, Automations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $135,993.
  • California: $135,477.
  • Massachusetts: $133,672.

Top Paying Cities for Staff Software Engineer, Automations

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $154,920
  • San Francisco: $153,224
  • Oakland: $149,995

What Skills Can Increase a Staff Software Engineer, Automation's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Integrity (Mentioned in 4.17% Job Postings): Is about having strong principles and values, which you demonstrate through your conduct in the work environment. A common integrity definition states that people with integrity do the right thing even when nobody is watching.
  • Open Source (Mentioned in 4.33% Job Postings): Open source is a term that originally referred to open source software (OSS). Open source software is code that is designed to be publicly accessible—anyone can see, modify, and distribute the code as they see fit
  • Machine Learning (Mentioned in 2.49% Job Postings): Using mathematical models, data, and algorithms to help a computer learn without direct instruction.
Skills Demand Percentage
Integrity 4.17%
Open Source 4.33%
Machine Learning 2.49%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Staff Software Engineer, Automation's salary.

  • Relationship Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Relationship Management $128,967
5%
Insight $126,511
3%
Machine Learning $126,511
3%

Staff Software Engineer, Automation Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Staff Software Engineer, Automation roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Chemicals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Staff Software Engineer, Automation positions in Telecom or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Software Engineer, Automation as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Staff Software Engineer, Automation

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Chemicals$153,532$74.025%
Aerospace & Defense$147,391$71.020%
Energy & Utilities$144,935$70.018%
Business Services$141,250$68.015%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$137,565$66.012%

Staff Software Engineer, Automation Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Staff Software Engineer, Automation's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$115,124
Average $122,826/year
$130,370
$9,594
Average $10,236/month
$10,864
$2,214
Average $2,362/week
$2,507
$55
Average $59/hour
$63
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $130,370 $10,864 $2,507 $63
Average $122,826 $10,236 $2,362 $59
25th Percentile $115,124 $9,594 $2,214 $55

Most common benefits for Staff Software Engineer, Automation

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Staff Software Engineer, Automation

Here are companies hiring for Staff Software Engineer, Automation and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Staff Software Engineer, Automation

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Staff Software Engineer, Automation?

The Chemicals industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Software Engineer, Automation roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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