Staff Engineer salaries in San Jose range from $290,000 to $1,015,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $471,250, which is 45% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$290,000 – $377,000
Median: $333,500 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$391,500 – $551,000
Median: $471,250 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$580,000 – $1,015,000
Median: $797,500 · per year
Estimate your earning potential based on role, location, and experience.
Estimated Staff Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA
Estimated†Median: $634,375 per year (adjusted for San Jose cost of living)
Junior
$333,500
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$471,250
3-5 yrs
Senior
$797,500
6+ yrs
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $471,250 | very high |
| New York, NY | $471,250 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $471,250 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $390,000 | high |
| Houston, TX | $325,000 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $325,000 | moderate |