Scialfa was born in Deal, New Jersey, and raised in Ocean Township, New Jersey. She began playing the guitar and writing songs in her early teens, and formed a band called "The Stones" in high school. After graduating from high school, Scialfa attended the University of Miami, where she met Bruce Springsteen.
In 1984, Scialfa joined the E Street Band as a backing vocalist and guitarist. She has since become a full-fledged member of the band and contributes to the songwriting process. Scialfa has released four solo albums: "Rumble Doll" (1993), "23rd Street Lullaby" (2004), "Play It as It Lays" (2007), and "Constant Craving" (2016).
Scialfa has also been involved in several projects with other artists, including Bob Dylan, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and Nils Lofgren. She has also written and produced songs for a number of other artists, including Bonnie Tyler and Keith Richards.
Scialfa is married to Bruce Springsteen and they have three children together. She continues to tour and record with the E Street Band and is considered to be one of the most respected female musicians in the music industry.