TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Architect Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$325,273/yr
Typical range: $276,382 – $339,849
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Architect salary by experience level in San Francisco
Data Architect 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 | $149,450 | $12,454 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $184,614 | $15,385 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $208,057 | $17,338 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $240,878 | $20,073 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $325,273 | $27,106 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $407,910 | $33,993 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $428,569 | $35,714 | +187% |
Current Salary
$325,273
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $156/hr
Next Level Target
$407,910
Principal · 14
+$83Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
68/100
Good
+28% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Architect salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Data Architects in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $325K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Architect make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $325K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $156/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Architect in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Architect in San Francisco, CA earns $276K–$340K/yr.