TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Welder Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$119,298/yr
Typical range: $117,302 – $138,229
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Welder salary by experience level in San Francisco
Welder 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 | $70,405 | $5,867 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $84,095 | $7,008 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $93,222 | $7,769 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $102,088 | $8,507 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $119,298 | $9,942 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $131,814 | $10,985 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $134,943 | $11,245 | +92% |
Current Salary
$119,298
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$131,814
Principal · 14
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Welder salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Welders in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $119K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Welder make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $119K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Welder in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in San Francisco, CA earns $117K–$138K/yr.