TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$251,419/yr
Typical range: $213,629 – $262,686
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
QA Engineer 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 | $115,517 | $9,626 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $142,698 | $11,892 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $160,818 | $13,402 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $186,186 | $15,516 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $251,419 | $20,952 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $315,294 | $26,275 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $331,262 | $27,605 | +187% |
Current Salary
$251,419
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $121/hr
Next Level Target
$315,294
Principal · 14
+$64Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $251K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead QA Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $251K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $121/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior QA Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $214K–$263K/yr.