TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead Robotics Engineer Salary in San Francisco

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$283,565/yr

Typical range: $240,943 $296,272

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Robotics Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$130,287$10,857
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$160,942$13,412+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$181,379$15,115+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$209,991$17,499+61%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$283,565$23,630+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$355,606$29,634+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$373,616$31,135+187%
Current Salary
$283,565
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $136/hr
Next Level Target
$355,606
Principal · 14
+$72Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
79/100
Above Average
+35% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the staff / lead Robotics Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?

Staff / Lead Robotics Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $284K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a staff / lead Robotics Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?

Based on $284K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $136/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from staff / lead to senior Robotics Engineer in San Francisco, CA?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Robotics Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $241K–$296K/yr.