TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$317,905/yr
Typical range: $270,122 – $332,152
P90 · 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 | $146,065 | $12,172 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $180,433 | $15,036 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $203,345 | $16,945 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $235,422 | $19,619 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $317,905 | $26,492 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $398,671 | $33,223 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $418,862 | $34,905 | +187% |
Current Salary
$317,905
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $153/hr
Next Level Target
$398,671
Principal · 14
+$81Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Embedded Systems Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Embedded Systems Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $318K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Embedded Systems Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $318K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $153/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $270K–$332K/yr.