HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Dentist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$429,843/yr
Typical range: $402,840 – $474,708
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Dentist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Dentist 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 | $235,070 | $19,589 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $288,801 | $24,067 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $320,144 | $26,679 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $354,621 | $29,552 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $429,843 | $35,820 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $494,320 | $41,193 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $510,439 | $42,537 | +117% |
Current Salary
$429,843
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $207/hr
Next Level Target
$494,320
Principal · 14
+$64Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Dentist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Dentists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $430K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Dentist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $430K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $207/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Dentist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Dentist in San Francisco, CA earns $403K–$475K/yr.