TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$257,049/yr
Typical range: $218,413 – $268,569
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Machine Learning 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 | $118,104 | $9,842 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $145,893 | $12,158 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $164,419 | $13,702 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $190,355 | $15,863 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $257,049 | $21,421 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $322,354 | $26,863 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $338,680 | $28,223 | +187% |
Current Salary
$257,049
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$322,354
Principal · 14
+$65Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $257K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $257K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $218K–$269K/yr.