TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead IT Manager Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$340,323/yr
Typical range: $289,170 – $355,574
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
IT Manager salary by experience level in San Francisco
IT 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 | $156,365 | $13,030 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $193,156 | $16,096 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $217,684 | $18,140 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $252,023 | $21,002 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $340,323 | $28,360 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $426,783 | $35,565 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $448,399 | $37,367 | +187% |
Current Salary
$340,323
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $164/hr
Next Level Target
$426,783
Principal · 14
+$86Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead IT Manager salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead IT Managers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $340K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead IT Manager make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $340K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $164/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior IT Manager in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior IT Manager in San Francisco, CA earns $289K–$356K/yr.