EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Civil Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$240,589/yr
Typical range: $213,408 – $256,110
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Civil 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 | $122,038 | $10,170 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,189 | $12,349 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $165,623 | $13,802 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $187,590 | $15,633 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $240,589 | $20,049 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $282,431 | $23,536 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $292,891 | $24,408 | +140% |
Current Salary
$240,589
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $116/hr
Next Level Target
$282,431
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Civil Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Civil Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $241K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Civil Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $241K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $116/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Civil Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $213K–$256K/yr.