ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Urban Planner Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$214,672/yr
Typical range: $191,533 – $234,088
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Urban Planner salary by experience level in San Francisco
Urban Planner 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 | $104,269 | $8,689 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $128,803 | $10,734 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,159 | $12,097 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $165,604 | $13,800 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,672 | $17,889 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $261,286 | $21,774 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $272,940 | $22,745 | +162% |
Current Salary
$214,672
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$261,286
Principal · 14
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Urban Planner salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Urban Planners 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 Urban Planner 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 Urban Planner in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Urban Planner in San Francisco, CA earns $192K–$234K/yr.