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.
$336,817/yr
Typical range: $286,190 – $351,911
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 | $154,754 | $12,896 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $191,166 | $15,931 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $215,441 | $17,953 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $249,427 | $20,786 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $336,817 | $28,068 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $422,387 | $35,199 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $443,779 | $36,982 | +187% |
Current Salary
$336,817
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $162/hr
Next Level Target
$422,387
Principal · 14
+$86Kpotential 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 $337K 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 $337K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $162/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 $286K–$352K/yr.