HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Physician Assistant Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$248,539/yr
Typical range: $232,926 – $274,480
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Physician Assistant salary by experience level in San Francisco
Physician Assistant 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 | $135,920 | $11,327 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $166,987 | $13,916 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $185,110 | $15,426 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $205,045 | $17,087 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $248,539 | $20,712 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $285,820 | $23,818 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $295,140 | $24,595 | +117% |
Current Salary
$248,539
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $119/hr
Next Level Target
$285,820
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+28% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Physician Assistant salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Physician Assistants in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $249K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Physician Assistant make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $249K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $119/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Physician Assistant in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Physician Assistant in San Francisco, CA earns $233K–$274K/yr.