ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Geologist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$210,680/yr
Typical range: $192,323 – $232,213
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Geologist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Geologist 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 | $101,438 | $8,453 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $127,968 | $10,664 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $146,695 | $12,225 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $166,983 | $13,915 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $210,680 | $17,557 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $244,388 | $20,366 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $252,816 | $21,068 | +149% |
Current Salary
$210,680
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $101/hr
Next Level Target
$244,388
Principal · 14
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Geologist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Geologists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $211K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Geologist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $211K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $101/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Geologist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Geologist in San Francisco, CA earns $192K–$232K/yr.