TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Computer Vision Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$358,706/yr
Typical range: $304,789 – $374,781
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Computer Vision Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Computer Vision 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 | $164,811 | $13,734 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $203,590 | $16,966 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $229,443 | $19,120 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $265,636 | $22,136 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $358,706 | $29,892 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $449,837 | $37,486 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $472,620 | $39,385 | +187% |
Current Salary
$358,706
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $172/hr
Next Level Target
$449,837
Principal · 14
+$91Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
84/100
Strong
+38% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Computer Vision Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Computer Vision Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $359K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Computer Vision Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $359K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $172/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Computer Vision Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Computer Vision Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $305K–$375K/yr.