BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$593,984/yr
Typical range: $537,151 – $664,530
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Operating Officer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Chief Operating Officer 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 | $275,778 | $22,982 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $347,905 | $28,992 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $398,818 | $33,235 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $458,216 | $38,185 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $593,984 | $49,499 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $712,780 | $59,398 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $742,480 | $61,873 | +169% |
Current Salary
$593,984
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $286/hr
Next Level Target
$712,780
Principal · 14
+$119Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chief Operating Officer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $594K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chief Operating Officer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $594K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $286/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief Operating Officer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Operating Officer in San Francisco, CA earns $537K–$665K/yr.