TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead AI Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$441,330/yr
Typical range: $374,994 – $461,107
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
AI Engineer 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 | $202,773 | $16,898 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $250,485 | $20,874 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $282,292 | $23,524 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $326,823 | $27,235 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $441,330 | $36,778 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $553,452 | $46,121 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $581,482 | $48,457 | +187% |
Current Salary
$441,330
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $212/hr
Next Level Target
$553,452
Principal · 14
+$112Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead AI Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead AI Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $441K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead AI Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $441K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $212/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior AI Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $375K–$461K/yr.