ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Interior Designer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$174,489/yr
Typical range: $155,681 – $190,271
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Interior Designer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Interior 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 | $84,752 | $7,063 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,693 | $8,724 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,988 | $9,832 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $134,606 | $11,217 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $174,489 | $14,541 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $212,378 | $17,698 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $221,850 | $18,488 | +162% |
Current Salary
$174,489
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $84/hr
Next Level Target
$212,378
Principal · 14
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Interior Designer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Interior Designers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $174K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Interior Designer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $174K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $84/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Interior Designer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Interior Designer in San Francisco, CA earns $156K–$190K/yr.