ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Industrial Designer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$192,226/yr
Typical range: $171,506 – $209,612
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Industrial Designer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Industrial Designer 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 | $93,367 | $7,781 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $115,335 | $9,611 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $129,981 | $10,832 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $148,288 | $12,357 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $192,226 | $16,019 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $233,966 | $19,497 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $244,401 | $20,367 | +162% |
Current Salary
$192,226
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$233,966
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Industrial Designer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Industrial Designers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $192K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Industrial Designer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $192K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Industrial Designer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Industrial Designer in San Francisco, CA earns $172K–$210K/yr.