EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Quality Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$186,363/yr
Typical range: $165,309 – $198,386
P90 · 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 | $94,532 | $7,878 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $114,789 | $9,566 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $128,294 | $10,691 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $145,309 | $12,109 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $186,363 | $15,530 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $218,775 | $18,231 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $226,877 | $18,906 | +140% |
Current Salary
$186,363
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $90/hr
Next Level Target
$218,775
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Quality Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Quality Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $186K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Quality Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $186K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $90/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $165K–$198K/yr.