ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Climate Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$162,755/yr
Typical range: $148,573 – $179,389
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Climate Scientist 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 | $78,363 | $6,530 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $98,858 | $8,238 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $113,325 | $9,444 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $128,998 | $10,750 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $162,755 | $13,563 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $188,795 | $15,733 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $195,306 | $16,276 | +149% |
Current Salary
$162,755
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$188,795
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Climate Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Climate Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $163K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Climate Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $163K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Climate Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $149K–$179K/yr.