TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead DevOps Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$364,816/yr
Typical range: $309,981 – $381,164
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
DevOps Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
DevOps 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 | $167,618 | $13,968 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $207,057 | $17,255 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $233,350 | $19,446 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $270,161 | $22,513 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $364,816 | $30,401 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $457,498 | $38,125 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $480,669 | $40,056 | +187% |
Current Salary
$364,816
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $175/hr
Next Level Target
$457,498
Principal · 14
+$93Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+28% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead DevOps Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead DevOps Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $365K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead DevOps Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $365K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $175/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior DevOps Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior DevOps Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $310K–$381K/yr.