Human ResourcesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead HR Manager Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$218,596/yr
Typical range: $195,034 – $238,367
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
HR Manager salary by experience level in San Francisco
HR Manager 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 | $106,175 | $8,848 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,158 | $10,930 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $147,813 | $12,318 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $168,631 | $14,053 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $218,596 | $18,216 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $266,063 | $22,172 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $277,929 | $23,161 | +162% |
Current Salary
$218,596
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $105/hr
Next Level Target
$266,063
Principal · 14
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead HR Manager salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead HR Managers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $219K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead HR Manager make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $219K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $105/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior HR Manager in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior HR Manager in San Francisco, CA earns $195K–$238K/yr.