TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$204,173/yr
Typical range: $234,266 – $288,063
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Embedded Systems Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Embedded Systems 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 | $126,677 | $10,556 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $156,483 | $13,040 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $176,354 | $14,696 | +39% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $204,173 | $17,014 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $275,708 | $22,976 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $345,752 | $28,813 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $363,264 | $30,272 | +187% |
Current Salary
$204,173
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$275,708
Staff · 10
+$72Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Embedded Systems Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior Embedded Systems Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $204K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Embedded Systems Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $204K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Embedded Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Embedded Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $234K–$288K/yr.