Human ResourcesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Recruiter Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$194,027/yr
Typical range: $173,113 – $211,577
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Recruiter salary by experience level in San Francisco
Recruiter 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 | $94,242 | $7,854 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $116,416 | $9,701 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $131,199 | $10,933 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $149,678 | $12,473 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $194,027 | $16,169 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $236,159 | $19,680 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $246,692 | $20,558 | +162% |
Current Salary
$194,027
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $93/hr
Next Level Target
$236,159
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
39/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Recruiter salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Recruiters in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $194K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Recruiter make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $194K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $93/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Recruiter in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Recruiter in San Francisco, CA earns $173K–$212K/yr.