EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Quality Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$167,549/yr
Typical range: $190,610 – $228,749
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Quality 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 | $109,001 | $9,083 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $132,358 | $11,030 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $147,929 | $12,327 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $167,549 | $13,962 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,887 | $17,907 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $252,258 | $21,022 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $261,601 | $21,800 | +140% |
Current Salary
$167,549
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $81/hr
Next Level Target
$214,887
Staff · 10
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Quality Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior Quality Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $168K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Quality Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $168K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $81/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Quality Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $191K–$229K/yr.