EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Electrical Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$267,244/yr
Typical range: $237,052 – $284,484
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Electrical Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Electrical 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 | $135,559 | $11,297 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $164,607 | $13,717 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $183,972 | $15,331 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $208,373 | $17,364 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $267,244 | $22,270 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $313,721 | $26,143 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $325,340 | $27,112 | +140% |
Current Salary
$267,244
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $128/hr
Next Level Target
$313,721
Principal · 14
+$46Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Electrical Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Electrical Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $267K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Electrical Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $267K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $128/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Electrical Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Electrical Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $237K–$284K/yr.