TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$261,630/yr
Typical range: $222,305 – $273,354
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Data 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 | $120,208 | $10,017 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,493 | $12,374 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $167,349 | $13,946 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $193,748 | $16,146 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $261,630 | $21,803 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $328,098 | $27,342 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $344,715 | $28,726 | +187% |
Current Salary
$261,630
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $126/hr
Next Level Target
$328,098
Principal · 14
+$66Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Data Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $262K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $262K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $126/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $222K–$273K/yr.