EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Biomedical Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$221,384/yr
Typical range: $196,373 – $235,666
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biomedical Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Biomedical 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 | $112,296 | $9,358 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $136,360 | $11,363 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $152,402 | $12,700 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $172,615 | $14,385 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $221,384 | $18,449 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $259,885 | $21,657 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $269,511 | $22,459 | +140% |
Current Salary
$221,384
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $106/hr
Next Level Target
$259,885
Principal · 14
+$39Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Biomedical Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Biomedical Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $221K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Biomedical Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $221K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $106/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Biomedical Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biomedical Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $196K–$236K/yr.