HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Optometrist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$304,582/yr
Typical range: $285,448 – $336,373
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Optometrist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Optometrist 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 | $166,569 | $13,881 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $204,641 | $17,053 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $226,850 | $18,904 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $251,280 | $20,940 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $304,582 | $25,382 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $350,270 | $29,189 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $361,692 | $30,141 | +117% |
Current Salary
$304,582
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $146/hr
Next Level Target
$350,270
Principal · 14
+$46Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
37/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Optometrist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Optometrists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $305K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Optometrist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $305K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $146/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Optometrist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Optometrist in San Francisco, CA earns $285K–$336K/yr.