As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Research Engineer in the United States is $129,767 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Staff Research Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Staff Research Engineer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Staff Research Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Budget An... Level Staff Research Engineer | $112,728 |
| Budgeting... Level Staff Research Engineer | $116,241 |
| Staff Res... Level Staff Research Engineer | $130,777 |
| Budget Se... Level Staff Research Engineer | $171,304 |
| Budget Di... Level Staff Research Engineer | $202,687 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Research Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 12.13% |
| Financial Statements | 1.64% |
| Accounts Receivable | 1.2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Partnering
|
$149,232 |
15%
|
|
Pricing
|
$146,637 |
13%
|
|
Financial Modeling
|
$144,041 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$142,744 |
10%
|
|
Forecasting
|
$142,744 |
10%
|
|
KPI
|
$142,744 |
10%
|
For Staff Research Engineer 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 Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Staff Research Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Research Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $162,209 | $78.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $155,720 | $75.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $142,744 | $69.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $142,744 | $69.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $142,744 | $69.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Staff Research Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Staff Research Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $130,210 and $139,103).
Staff Research Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 1.7% |
| Associates | 2.8% |
| Bachelors | 38.1% |
| Masters | 57.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Staff Research Engineer'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Staff Research Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $112,302 in 2023 to around $112,576 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Research Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,302 |
| 2024 | $113,201 |
| 2025 | $112,576 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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