EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Safety Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$241,765/yr
Typical range: $214,451 – $257,362
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Safety Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Safety 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 | $122,634 | $10,220 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,913 | $12,409 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $166,432 | $13,869 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $188,507 | $15,709 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $241,765 | $20,147 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $283,811 | $23,651 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $294,323 | $24,527 | +140% |
Current Salary
$241,765
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $116/hr
Next Level Target
$283,811
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Safety Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Safety Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $242K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Safety Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $242K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $116/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Safety Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Safety Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $214K–$257K/yr.