FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Financial Controller Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$362,624/yr
Typical range: $305,204 – $403,695
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Financial Controller salary by experience level in San Francisco
Financial Controller 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 | $138,782 | $11,565 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $179,074 | $14,923 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $208,919 | $17,410 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $251,598 | $20,967 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $362,624 | $30,219 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $493,348 | $41,112 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $526,029 | $43,836 | +279% |
Current Salary
$362,624
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $174/hr
Next Level Target
$493,348
Principal · 14
+$131Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Financial Controller salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Financial Controllers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $363K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Financial Controller make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $363K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $174/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Financial Controller in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Financial Controller in San Francisco, CA earns $305K–$404K/yr.