FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Financial Planner (CFP) Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$251,895/yr
Typical range: $212,009 – $280,425
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Financial Planner (CFP) salary by experience level in San Francisco
Financial Planner (CFP) 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 | $96,404 | $8,034 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $124,393 | $10,366 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,125 | $12,094 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $174,772 | $14,564 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $251,895 | $20,991 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $342,702 | $28,559 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $365,404 | $30,450 | +279% |
Current Salary
$251,895
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $121/hr
Next Level Target
$342,702
Principal · 14
+$91Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
50/100
Moderate
+15% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Financial Planner (CFP) salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Financial Planner (CFP)s in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $252K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Financial Planner (CFP) make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $252K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $121/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Financial Planner (CFP) in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Financial Planner (CFP) in San Francisco, CA earns $212K–$280K/yr.