CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Videographer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$137,062/yr
Typical range: $142,118 – $183,464
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Videographer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Videographer 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 | $66,390 | $5,533 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $85,664 | $7,139 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $99,941 | $8,328 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $113,076 | $9,423 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $137,062 | $11,422 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $155,908 | $12,992 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $160,620 | $13,385 | +142% |
Current Salary
$137,062
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$155,908
Principal · 14
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
39/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Videographer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Videographers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $137K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Videographer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $137K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Videographer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Videographer in San Francisco, CA earns $142K–$183K/yr.