ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$257,534/yr
Typical range: $235,094 – $283,856
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Materials Scientist 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 | $123,998 | $10,333 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $156,428 | $13,036 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $179,320 | $14,943 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $204,120 | $17,010 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $257,534 | $21,461 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $298,740 | $24,895 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $309,041 | $25,753 | +149% |
Current Salary
$257,534
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$298,740
Principal · 14
+$41Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Materials Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $258K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Materials Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $258K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Materials Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $235K–$284K/yr.