EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Structural Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$214,993/yr
Typical range: $190,704 – $228,863
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Structural 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 | $109,054 | $9,088 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $132,423 | $11,035 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $148,002 | $12,334 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $167,632 | $13,969 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,993 | $17,916 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $252,383 | $21,032 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $261,731 | $21,811 | +140% |
Current Salary
$214,993
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$252,383
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Structural Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Structural Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $215K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Structural Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $215K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Structural Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $191K–$229K/yr.