ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$199,814/yr
Typical range: $182,403 – $220,236
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Chemist 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 | $96,207 | $8,017 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,368 | $10,114 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $139,129 | $11,594 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,371 | $13,198 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $199,814 | $16,651 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $231,784 | $19,315 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $239,776 | $19,981 | +149% |
Current Salary
$199,814
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $96/hr
Next Level Target
$231,784
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chemist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Chemists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $200K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chemist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $200K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $96/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemist in San Francisco, CA earns $182K–$220K/yr.