CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Fashion Designer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$172,681/yr
Typical range: $179,050 – $231,140
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Fashion Designer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Fashion Designer 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 | $83,642 | $6,970 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,926 | $8,994 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $125,913 | $10,493 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $142,462 | $11,872 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $172,681 | $14,390 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $196,425 | $16,369 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $202,361 | $16,863 | +142% |
Current Salary
$172,681
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $83/hr
Next Level Target
$196,425
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Fashion Designer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Fashion Designers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $173K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Fashion Designer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $173K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $83/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Fashion Designer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Fashion Designer in San Francisco, CA earns $179K–$231K/yr.