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.
$312,833/yr
Typical range: $293,181 – $345,485
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 | $171,081 | $14,257 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $210,185 | $17,515 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $232,996 | $19,416 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $258,087 | $21,507 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $312,833 | $26,069 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $359,758 | $29,980 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $371,490 | $30,958 | +117% |
Current Salary
$312,833
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $150/hr
Next Level Target
$359,758
Principal · 14
+$47Kpotential 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 $313K 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 $313K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $150/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 $293K–$345K/yr.