TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Network Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$227,173/yr
Typical range: $193,027 – $237,353
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Network Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Network 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 | $104,377 | $8,698 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $128,936 | $10,745 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,309 | $12,109 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $168,231 | $14,019 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $227,173 | $18,931 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $284,887 | $23,741 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $299,315 | $24,943 | +187% |
Current Salary
$227,173
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $109/hr
Next Level Target
$284,887
Principal · 14
+$58Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Network Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Network Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $227K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Network Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $227K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $109/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Network Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Network Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $193K–$237K/yr.