TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Automotive Technician Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$99,861/yr
Typical range: $98,190 – $115,707
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Automotive Technician salary by experience level in San Francisco
Automotive Technician 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 | $58,934 | $4,911 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $70,394 | $5,866 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $78,033 | $6,503 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $85,455 | $7,121 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $99,861 | $8,322 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $110,338 | $9,195 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $112,957 | $9,413 | +92% |
Current Salary
$99,861
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $48/hr
Next Level Target
$110,338
Principal · 14
+$10Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Automotive Technician salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Automotive Technicians in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $100K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Automotive Technician make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $100K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $48/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Automotive Technician in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Automotive Technician in San Francisco, CA earns $98K–$116K/yr.