ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Environmental Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$184,414/yr
Typical range: $168,346 – $203,263
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Environmental Scientist 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 | $88,792 | $7,399 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,014 | $9,335 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $128,407 | $10,701 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $146,165 | $12,180 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $184,414 | $15,368 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $213,920 | $17,827 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $221,297 | $18,441 | +149% |
Current Salary
$184,414
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $89/hr
Next Level Target
$213,920
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Environmental Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Environmental Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $184K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Environmental Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $184K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $89/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Environmental Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $168K–$203K/yr.