HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Veterinarian Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$253,174/yr
Typical range: $237,269 – $279,599
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Veterinarian salary by experience level in San Francisco
Veterinarian 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 | $138,454 | $11,538 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $170,101 | $14,175 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $188,562 | $15,714 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $208,868 | $17,406 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $253,174 | $21,098 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $291,150 | $24,263 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $300,644 | $25,054 | +117% |
Current Salary
$253,174
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $122/hr
Next Level Target
$291,150
Principal · 14
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
62/100
Good
+19% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Veterinarian salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Veterinarians in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $253K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Veterinarian make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $253K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $122/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Veterinarian in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Veterinarian in San Francisco, CA earns $237K–$280K/yr.