TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead HVAC Technician Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$137,708/yr
Typical range: $135,404 – $159,560
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
HVAC Technician salary by experience level in San Francisco
HVAC Technician 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 | $81,270 | $6,773 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $97,073 | $8,089 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $107,608 | $8,967 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $117,842 | $9,820 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $137,708 | $11,476 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $152,155 | $12,680 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $155,768 | $12,981 | +92% |
Current Salary
$137,708
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$152,155
Principal · 14
+$14Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead HVAC Technician salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead HVAC Technicians in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $138K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead HVAC Technician make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $138K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior HVAC Technician in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior HVAC Technician in San Francisco, CA earns $135K–$160K/yr.