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.
$212,222/yr
Typical range: $180,323 – $221,732
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 | $97,507 | $8,126 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $120,450 | $10,038 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $135,745 | $11,312 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $157,159 | $13,097 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $212,222 | $17,685 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $266,137 | $22,178 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $279,616 | $23,301 | +187% |
Current Salary
$212,222
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $102/hr
Next Level Target
$266,137
Principal · 14
+$54Kpotential 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 $212K 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 $212K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $102/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 $180K–$222K/yr.