TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$170,222/yr
Typical range: $161,885 – $199,060
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Autonomous Systems Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Autonomous Systems 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $170,222 | $14,185 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $210,274 | $17,523 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $236,975 | $19,748 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $274,357 | $22,863 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $370,482 | $30,874 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $464,605 | $38,717 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $488,136 | $40,678 | +187% |
Current Salary
$170,222
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $82/hr
Next Level Target
$210,274
Junior · 2
+$40Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $170K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $170K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $82/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $315K–$387K/yr.