GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Policy Analyst Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$162,865/yr
Typical range: $155,307 – $175,388
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Policy Analyst salary by experience level in San Francisco
Policy Analyst 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 | $105,862 | $8,822 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,434 | $9,953 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $130,292 | $10,858 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $141,150 | $11,763 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $162,865 | $13,572 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $182,409 | $15,201 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $187,295 | $15,608 | +77% |
Current Salary
$162,865
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$182,409
Principal · 14
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Policy Analyst salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Policy Analysts in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $163K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Policy Analyst make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $163K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Policy Analyst in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Policy Analyst in San Francisco, CA earns $155K–$175K/yr.