BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Project Manager Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$270,897/yr
Typical range: $244,978 – $303,071
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Project Manager salary by experience level in San Francisco
Project Manager 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 | $125,774 | $10,481 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $158,668 | $13,222 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $181,888 | $15,157 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $208,978 | $17,415 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $270,897 | $22,575 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $325,077 | $27,090 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $338,622 | $28,219 | +169% |
Current Salary
$270,897
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $130/hr
Next Level Target
$325,077
Principal · 14
+$54Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Project Manager salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Project Managers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $271K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Project Manager make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $271K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $130/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Project Manager in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Project Manager in San Francisco, CA earns $245K–$303K/yr.