HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Diagnostic Sonographer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$191,873/yr
Typical range: $179,820 – $211,900
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Diagnostic Sonographer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Diagnostic Sonographer 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 | $104,931 | $8,744 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $128,915 | $10,743 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $142,906 | $11,909 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,295 | $13,191 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $191,873 | $15,989 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $220,654 | $18,388 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $227,850 | $18,988 | +117% |
Current Salary
$191,873
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$220,654
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Diagnostic Sonographer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Diagnostic Sonographers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $192K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Diagnostic Sonographer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $192K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Diagnostic Sonographer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Diagnostic Sonographer in San Francisco, CA earns $180K–$212K/yr.