TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Plumber Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$148,312/yr
Typical range: $145,831 – $171,847
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Plumber salary by experience level in San Francisco
Plumber 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 | $87,528 | $7,294 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,548 | $8,712 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $115,894 | $9,658 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $126,916 | $10,576 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $148,312 | $12,359 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $163,872 | $13,656 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $167,762 | $13,980 | +92% |
Current Salary
$148,312
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $71/hr
Next Level Target
$163,872
Principal · 14
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
43/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Plumber salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Plumbers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $148K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Plumber make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $148K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $71/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Plumber in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Plumber in San Francisco, CA earns $146K–$172K/yr.