As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for sr staff engineer in the US is $186,336, equivalent to $90 per hour, $3,583 weekly, or $15,528 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for sr staff engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for sr staff engineer in the US vary widely, spanning from $178,143 to $211,764. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($182,048) and 75th percentile ($199,646), while top earners (90th percentile) make $211,764 per year. This $17,598 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Consulting or Support Services, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia sr staff engineer often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 62 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
sr staff engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile sr staff engineer Salary $178,143 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile sr staff engineer Salary $182,048 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile sr staff engineer Salary $186,336 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile sr staff engineer Salary $199,646 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile sr staff engineer Salary $211,764 US January 01, 2026
25% $182,048 10% $178,143 90% $211,764 75% $199,646 $186,336 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out sr staff engineer jobs in the United States

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What is A sr staff engineer ?

The salary for a Senior Staff Engineer typically ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on factors such as industry, location, and years of experience. This role often requires advanced technical expertise and leadership skills, as Senior Staff Engineers are responsible for overseeing complex projects, mentoring junior engineers, and driving innovation within their teams. Compensation packages may also include bonuses, stock options, and comprehensive benefits. Companies often seek candidates with a strong educational background in engineering or related fields, along with a prov...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Understand the total compensation opportunity for A sr staff engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
182048
199646
186336

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
195117
245222
218146
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of sr staff engineer in the United States. The base salary for sr staff engineer ranges from $182,048 to $199,646 with the average base salary of $186,336. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $195,117 to $245,222 with the average total cash compensation of $218,146.

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182048
199646