CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Illustrator Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$133,391/yr
Typical range: $138,311 – $178,550
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in San Francisco
Illustrator 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 | $64,611 | $5,384 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,370 | $6,948 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $97,265 | $8,105 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $110,048 | $9,171 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $133,391 | $11,116 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $151,733 | $12,644 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $156,318 | $13,027 | +142% |
Current Salary
$133,391
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$151,733
Principal · 14
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Illustrator salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Illustrators in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $133K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Illustrator make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $133K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Illustrator in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in San Francisco, CA earns $138K–$179K/yr.