EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$229,323/yr
Typical range: $203,415 – $244,117
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Environmental 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 | $116,323 | $9,694 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $141,250 | $11,771 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $157,867 | $13,156 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $178,805 | $14,900 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $229,323 | $19,110 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $269,205 | $22,434 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $279,176 | $23,265 | +140% |
Current Salary
$229,323
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $110/hr
Next Level Target
$269,205
Principal · 14
+$40Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Environmental Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $229K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Environmental Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $229K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $110/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Environmental Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $203K–$244K/yr.