EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$308,476/yr
Typical range: $273,625 – $328,376
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Nuclear 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 | $156,473 | $13,039 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $190,003 | $15,834 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $212,356 | $17,696 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $240,522 | $20,044 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $308,476 | $25,706 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $362,123 | $30,177 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $375,535 | $31,295 | +140% |
Current Salary
$308,476
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $148/hr
Next Level Target
$362,123
Principal · 14
+$54Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Nuclear Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $308K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Nuclear Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $308K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $148/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Nuclear Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $274K–$328K/yr.