HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Psychologist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$228,517/yr
Typical range: $214,162 – $252,369
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Psychologist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Psychologist 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 | $124,970 | $10,414 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $153,535 | $12,795 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $170,198 | $14,183 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $188,527 | $15,711 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $228,517 | $19,043 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $262,795 | $21,900 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $271,364 | $22,614 | +117% |
Current Salary
$228,517
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $110/hr
Next Level Target
$262,795
Principal · 14
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Psychologist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Psychologists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $229K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Psychologist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $229K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $110/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Psychologist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Psychologist in San Francisco, CA earns $214K–$252K/yr.