ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Biologist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$203,815/yr
Typical range: $186,056 – $224,646
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biologist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Biologist 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 | $98,133 | $8,178 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $123,799 | $10,317 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $141,916 | $11,826 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $161,542 | $13,462 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,815 | $16,985 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $236,425 | $19,702 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $244,578 | $20,382 | +149% |
Current Salary
$203,815
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$236,425
Principal · 14
+$33Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Biologist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Biologists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $204K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Biologist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $204K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Biologist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biologist in San Francisco, CA earns $186K–$225K/yr.