FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Accountant Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$203,971/yr
Typical range: $171,673 – $227,073
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in San Francisco
Accountant Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $78,063 | $6,505 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $100,726 | $8,394 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,514 | $9,793 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $141,521 | $11,793 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,971 | $16,998 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $277,501 | $23,125 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $295,884 | $24,657 | +279% |
Current Salary
$203,971
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$277,501
Principal · 14
+$74Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Accountant salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Accountants in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $204K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Accountant make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $204K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Accountant in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in San Francisco, CA earns $172K–$227K/yr.