Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in ... Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * A history of academic excellence ...
Staff Software Engineer information
See Madison, WI salary details
$61K - $75.6K
9% of jobs
$75.6K - $90.2K
0% of jobs
$90.2K - $104.8K
2% of jobs
$104.8K - $119.4K
4% of jobs
$119.4K - $134K
9% of jobs
$135.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$134K - $148.6K
14% of jobs
$148.6K - $163.2K
12% of jobs
The median wage is $164.1K / yr.
$163.2K - $177.8K
18% of jobs
$187.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$177.8K - $192.5K
12% of jobs
$192.5K - $207.1K
12% of jobs
$207.1K - $221.7K
10% of jobs
$61K
$162.4K
$221.7K
How much do staff software engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff software engineer in Madison, WI is $162,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $192,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How does a staff software engineer typically contribute to setting technical direction within a team?
As a Staff Software Engineer, you are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the technical roadmap and ensuring architectural consistency across projects. This often involves mentoring junior engineers, reviewing system designs, and making critical decisions on technology choices and best practices. You'll collaborate closely with product managers, engineering leads, and other stakeholders to align technical goals with business objectives. Your leadership helps foster innovation while maintaining high standards for code quality and system reliability.
What is the difference between Staff Software Engineer vs Senior Software Engineer?
| Aspect | Staff Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in CS or related field; extensive experience | Bachelor's or Master's in CS; significant experience |
| Work Environment | Leads projects, mentors teams, influences technical strategy | Develops features, solves complex problems, mentors juniors |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Common in large tech companies, enterprise environments | Widespread across startups, mid-sized, and large companies |
The main difference between a Staff Software Engineer and a Senior Software Engineer lies in scope and influence. Staff Engineers typically lead technical initiatives, mentor multiple teams, and shape engineering strategies, while Senior Engineers focus on developing features and solving complex problems within their teams. Both roles require strong technical skills, but Staff Engineers have a broader impact across projects and departments.
What is a staff software engineer?
A staff software engineer works on the technical team at an organization, typically under a senior management-level team member, to repair, develop, and maintain company software to ensure an efficient user experience. As a staff software engineer, your duties include finding and implementing solutions for issues, creating new software or applications by writing code, using visual development environments to debug, and ensuring the technical architecture runs smoothly. A significant aspect of your job is to not only contribute your skills but also mentor other software engineers to improve their skills and productivity.
What is a staff software engineer?
A Staff Software Engineer is a senior-level technical role responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex software systems. They often serve as technical leaders within their teams, guiding architecture decisions, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across departments. Staff Software Engineers are expected to solve high-impact engineering problems, set technical standards, and ensure the quality and scalability of software products. Their role typically involves both hands-on coding and strategic planning to drive technological innovation within an organization.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a staff software engineer?
To thrive as a Staff Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in software development, system architecture, and problem-solving, often supported by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Mastery of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), cloud platforms, version control systems, and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines are typically required. Exceptional leadership, strong communication, and mentorship abilities set candidates apart in this role. These skills are essential for designing scalable solutions, guiding technical teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex projects.
What do staff software engineers do?
Staff software engineers lead technical projects, design system architecture, and mentor other engineers. They often work on complex problems, collaborate across teams, and contribute to technical strategy while using tools like code repositories and development frameworks.
More about Staff Software Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Staff Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Staff Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Staff Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? For Staff Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Staff Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Staff Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
Epic Systems rating
8.7
Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
55th of 242 rated software companies
Job description
Software Developer
Code that saves lives.
As a software developer at Epic, you’ll write software that impacts the lives of 75% of Americans and 300 million patients around the world. Working in your own office, surrounded by thousands of high-caliber developers, you’ll use modern development methodologies and employ user-centered design, analytics, and machine learning tools to drive innovation in healthcare. Using leading-edge technologies and languages like JS, TS, and C#, you’ll invent better ways to reduce medical errors, streamline record sharing between hospitals, and provide the quality of care a patient deserves.
Write software for the most innovative health systems on the planet.
The top-ranked health systems in U.S. News and World Report are Epic customers. Our community includes major systems like the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, and Kaiser Permanente, as well as leading academic medical centers at the University of Wisconsin, University of Michigan, University of California, University of Texas, The Ohio State University, and many more.
Experience our state-of-the-art campus, eat delicious food, and travel the world.
We don’t believe in cubicles. (Well, we believe they exist, but…) Our uniquely themed campus was designed to heighten your ability to get stuff done in your office, a conference room, or by the fireplace in a comfy chair. For lunch, visit King’s Cross or Cassiopeia for a wide array of meal options, or go to one of our smaller, themed bistros, featuring wood-rotisserie, pan-Asian, and Latin-inspired cuisine. All meals are restaurant-quality but cost only a few dollars, and they’re prepared by a team comprised of kitchen talent from restaurants around the country. And, after five years here, you’ll earn a four-week sabbatical anywhere in the world. Staff have kayaked in Patagonia, attended a Beyoncé concert in Ireland, built a library in Tanzania, and run a marathon in Antarctica.
Live affordably in a city known for its rising tech talent.
Epic is located just outside Madison, Wisconsin, which is the second fastest growing market for tech talent in the United States, home to the state capital, and the University of Wisconsin. Madison has received accolades for being the greenest city in America (NerdWallet), the best city for renters (SmartAsset), fittest city in America (Fitbit), and, for the gamers, is one of a handful of US cities to have a Killer Queen arcade game, located at Madison’s first arcade bar.
More than just important work.
We offer comprehensive benefits to keep you healthy and happy as you grow in your life and career, and your merit-based compensation will reflect the impact your work has on the company and our customers. You'll also be eligible for annual raises and bonuses, as well as stock grants, which give you an even greater stake in the success of Epic and our customers. Healthcare is global, and building the best ideas from around the world into Epic software is a point of pride. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we know that inclusive teams design software that supports the delivery of quality care for all patients, so diversity, equity, and inclusion are written into our principles. Research has shown that job-seekers who are women, LGBTQ+, or members of historically underrepresented communities are less likely to apply for roles they don't seem completely qualified for, so we encourage all who are interested to apply. Please see our full non-discrimination statement at https://careers.epic.com/EEO.
Requirements-
Relocation to Madison, WI area (reimbursed)
-
BS/BA or greater in Computer Science, Mathematics, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
-
A history of academic excellence or professional success
-
Eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship (persons with appropriate qualifications and eligible for TN status under NAFTA may apply)
-
COVID-19 vaccination
What Epic Systems employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom