TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$427,186/yr
Typical range: $362,976 – $446,329
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $196,275 | $16,356 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $242,457 | $20,205 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $273,245 | $22,770 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $316,348 | $26,362 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $427,186 | $35,599 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $535,714 | $44,643 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $562,846 | $46,904 | +187% |
Current Salary
$427,186
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $205/hr
Next Level Target
$535,714
Principal · 14
+$109Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $427K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $427K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $205/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $363K–$446K/yr.