EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$213,983/yr
Typical range: $189,808 – $227,787
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Mechanical Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Mechanical 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 | $108,542 | $9,045 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,801 | $10,983 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $147,307 | $12,276 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $166,845 | $13,904 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $213,983 | $17,832 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $251,197 | $20,933 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $260,501 | $21,708 | +140% |
Current Salary
$213,983
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$251,197
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Mechanical Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $214K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Mechanical Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $214K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Mechanical Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Mechanical Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $190K–$228K/yr.