TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Full Stack Developer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$293,722/yr
Typical range: $249,573 – $306,885
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Full Stack Developer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Full Stack 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 | $134,953 | $11,246 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $166,707 | $13,892 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $187,876 | $15,656 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $217,513 | $18,126 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $293,722 | $24,477 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $368,344 | $30,695 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $386,999 | $32,250 | +187% |
Current Salary
$293,722
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $141/hr
Next Level Target
$368,344
Principal · 14
+$75Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
55/100
Moderate
+24% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Full Stack Developer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Full Stack Developers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $294K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Full Stack Developer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $294K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $141/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Full Stack Developer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Full Stack Developer in San Francisco, CA earns $250K–$307K/yr.