MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$128,568/yr
Typical range: $114,709 – $140,196
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Journalist 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 | $62,447 | $5,204 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $77,141 | $6,428 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $86,936 | $7,245 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $99,181 | $8,265 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $128,568 | $10,714 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $156,485 | $13,040 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $163,465 | $13,622 | +162% |
Current Salary
$128,568
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$156,485
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Journalist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Journalists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $129K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Journalist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $129K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Journalist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in San Francisco, CA earns $115K–$140K/yr.