EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Marine Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$249,329/yr
Typical range: $221,161 – $265,413
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Marine Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Marine Engineer 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 | $126,471 | $10,539 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $153,572 | $12,798 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $171,639 | $14,303 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $194,404 | $16,200 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $249,329 | $20,777 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $292,690 | $24,391 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $303,531 | $25,294 | +140% |
Current Salary
$249,329
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $120/hr
Next Level Target
$292,690
Principal · 14
+$43Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Marine Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Marine Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $249K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Marine Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $249K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $120/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Marine Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Marine Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $221K–$265K/yr.