TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Frontend Developer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$279,556/yr
Typical range: $237,536 – $292,083
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Frontend Developer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Frontend Developer 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 | $128,445 | $10,704 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $158,667 | $13,222 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $178,815 | $14,901 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $207,022 | $17,252 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $279,556 | $23,296 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $350,578 | $29,215 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $368,334 | $30,695 | +187% |
Current Salary
$279,556
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $134/hr
Next Level Target
$350,578
Principal · 14
+$71Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
53/100
Moderate
+22% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Frontend Developer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Frontend Developers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $280K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Frontend Developer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $280K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $134/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Frontend Developer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Frontend Developer in San Francisco, CA earns $238K–$292K/yr.