HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years

Senior Medical Lab Scientist Salary in San Francisco

2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.

$127,269/yr

Typical range: $144,575 $170,367

P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Medical Lab Scientist Salary Progression in San Francisco

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$84,364$7,030
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$103,647$8,637+23%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$114,896$9,575+36%
SeniorThis page6 yrs6 yrs$127,269$10,606+51%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$154,266$12,856+83%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$177,405$14,784+110%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$183,190$15,266+117%
Current Salary
$127,269
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$154,266
Staff · 10
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the senior Medical Lab Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?

Senior Medical Lab Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $127K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a senior Medical Lab Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?

Based on $127K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from senior to senior Medical Lab Scientist in San Francisco, CA?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Medical Lab Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $145K–$170K/yr.