EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$346,162/yr
Typical range: $307,054 – $368,494
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Petroleum 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 | $175,589 | $14,632 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $213,216 | $17,768 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $238,300 | $19,858 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $269,906 | $22,492 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $346,162 | $28,847 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $406,364 | $33,864 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $421,415 | $35,118 | +140% |
Current Salary
$346,162
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $166/hr
Next Level Target
$406,364
Principal · 14
+$60Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $346K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Petroleum Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $346K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $166/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Petroleum Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $307K–$368K/yr.