TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead UX Researcher Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$279,310/yr
Typical range: $237,327 – $291,827
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
UX Researcher salary by experience level in San Francisco
UX Researcher 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 | $128,332 | $10,694 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $158,527 | $13,211 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $178,658 | $14,888 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $206,840 | $17,237 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $279,310 | $23,276 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $350,270 | $29,189 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $368,010 | $30,668 | +187% |
Current Salary
$279,310
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $134/hr
Next Level Target
$350,270
Principal · 14
+$71Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
49/100
Below Average
+18% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead UX Researcher salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead UX Researchers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $279K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead UX Researcher make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $279K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $134/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior UX Researcher in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior UX Researcher in San Francisco, CA earns $237K–$292K/yr.