TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$288,526/yr
Typical range: $245,158 – $301,456
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Software 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 | $132,566 | $11,047 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $163,758 | $13,647 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $184,553 | $15,379 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $213,665 | $17,805 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $288,526 | $24,044 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $361,827 | $30,152 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $380,153 | $31,679 | +187% |
Current Salary
$288,526
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $139/hr
Next Level Target
$361,827
Principal · 14
+$73Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $289K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $289K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $139/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $245K–$301K/yr.