TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead IT Support Specialist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$157,280/yr
Typical range: $133,639 – $164,328
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
IT Support Specialist salary by experience level in San Francisco
IT Support Specialist 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 | $72,264 | $6,022 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $89,267 | $7,439 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $100,602 | $8,384 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $116,472 | $9,706 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $157,280 | $13,107 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $197,237 | $16,436 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,227 | $17,269 | +187% |
Current Salary
$157,280
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$197,237
Principal · 14
+$40Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
19/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead IT Support Specialist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead IT Support Specialists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $157K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead IT Support Specialist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $157K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $76/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior IT Support Specialist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior IT Support Specialist in San Francisco, CA earns $134K–$164K/yr.