HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Medical Lab Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$154,266/yr
Typical range: $144,575 – $170,367
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Medical Lab Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Medical Lab 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 | $84,364 | $7,030 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,647 | $8,637 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $114,896 | $9,575 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $127,269 | $10,606 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $154,266 | $12,856 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $177,405 | $14,784 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $183,190 | $15,266 | +117% |
Current Salary
$154,266
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $74/hr
Next Level Target
$177,405
Principal · 14
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Medical Lab Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Medical Lab Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $154K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Medical Lab Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $154K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $74/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.