EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Systems Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$127,073/yr
Typical range: $123,574 – $148,300
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Systems 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $127,073 | $10,589 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $154,303 | $12,859 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $172,456 | $14,371 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $195,330 | $16,278 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $250,516 | $20,876 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $294,083 | $24,507 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $304,975 | $25,415 | +140% |
Current Salary
$127,073
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$154,303
Junior · 2
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Systems Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Systems Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $127K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Systems Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $127K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $222K–$267K/yr.