What is the average salary in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco, CA, offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $112,754. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the high demand for skilled professionals. Salaries range widely, with many positions offering above-average pay.
Here are some common salary ranges in San Francisco:
- 25% of jobs earn around $38,050
- 50% of jobs earn around $60,409
- 75% of jobs earn around $82,768
- 90% of jobs earn around $127,486
- 95% of jobs earn around $149,845
- 99% of jobs earn around $172,205
What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA?

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Research Engineer
Average Salary: $280,347
This role involves creating new technologies and improving existing ones. Companies like Google and Apple often seek these experts. They work on projects that can change the tech industry.
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Physician
Average Salary: $250,664
Doctors diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. In San Francisco, they often deal with a diverse patient population. They need to stay updated with the latest medical advancements.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $230,038
This role provides legal advice to companies. They handle legal issues and ensure compliance. In San Francisco, they often work with tech firms. They need to be well-versed in corporate law.
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Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $228,035
This position involves setting the company's direction. They work with top management. In San Francisco, they often deal with tech giants. They need strong strategic thinking skills.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $226,163
Dentists provide oral care. They perform cleanings, fillings, and other procedures. In San Francisco, they often work in private practices. They need to be detail-oriented and patient-focused.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $222,110
These doctors provide general medical care. They treat a wide range of conditions. In San Francisco, they often work in clinics. They need to be compassionate and knowledgeable.
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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $220,288
This role oversees the engineering team. They manage projects and ensure quality. In San Francisco, they often work with tech companies. They need strong leadership and technical skills.
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Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $215,526
Principal engineers design and develop systems. They lead projects and mentor junior engineers. In San Francisco, they often work in tech firms. They need deep technical expertise.
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Technical Director
Average Salary: $211,749
This role involves overseeing technical projects. They ensure projects meet deadlines and quality standards. In San Francisco, they often work in tech companies. They need strong project management skills.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $210,653
Staff engineers work on complex technical problems. They design and implement solutions. In San Francisco, they often work in tech firms. They need strong problem-solving skills.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $68,449
Manage daily operations in a bustling restaurant. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Work in high-end restaurants like Fog Harbor Fish House and The Slanted Door.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $67,795
Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant trees, flowers, and shrubs. Work for companies like Green Thumb Landscape and Bay Area Landscape.
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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $58,326
Climb trees to trim branches and remove dead wood. Ensure tree health and safety. Companies like Arbor Care and Tree Service SF hire for this role.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $56,372
Clean and maintain floors in commercial spaces. Use specialized equipment. Work for companies like Jani-King and ServiceMaster.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $55,333
Promote products or services door-to-door. Engage with customers and gather information. Work for companies like Survey Sampling and Market Force.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $52,226
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential buildings. Ensure a tidy environment. Work for hotels like The Westin or residential complexes like The Pacific.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $51,938
Help servers with table setup and clearing. Ensure a smooth dining experience. Work in restaurants like The French Laundry and Zuni Café.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $51,536
Oversee kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food is prepared safely and on time. Work for restaurants like Tartine Bakery and The Slanted Door.
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Bar Back
Average Salary: $51,524
Assist bartenders with drink preparation and bar maintenance. Ensure a clean and efficient bar. Work in bars like The Boardroom and The View Lounge.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $48,288
Help prepare and serve food. Ensure cleanliness and safety. Work in cafeterias like Google and schools like SFUSD.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Francisco, CA?

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OpenAI
Average Salary: $306,539
OpenAI is a leading company in the field of artificial intelligence. It focuses on creating safe and beneficial AI for everyone.
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Anthropic
Average Salary: $292,318
Anthropic is a tech company that works on developing AI systems. It aims to build reliable and intelligent AI technologies.
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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $249,342
Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity company. It provides security solutions to protect businesses from cyber threats.
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Canva
Average Salary: $225,042
Canva is a design platform that helps people create visual content. It offers tools for graphic design, presentations, and more.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $216,358
Waymo is a company that develops self-driving car technology. It aims to make transportation safer and more efficient.
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Pinterest
Average Salary: $211,037
Pinterest is a social media platform where people share ideas and inspirations through images. It allows users to discover and save ideas.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $210,721
LifeStance Health is a mental health care company. It provides services to patients seeking mental health support and treatment.
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CRUSOE
Average Salary: $205,528
CRUSOE is a technology company that focuses on providing innovative solutions. It aims to improve efficiency and productivity in various sectors.
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Okta
Average Salary: $204,873
Okta is a company that offers identity and access management solutions. It helps businesses secure their digital resources.
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Salesforce
Average Salary: $204,408
Salesforce is a cloud-based software company. It provides customer relationship management (CRM) solutions to help businesses grow.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco, CA compare to the national average?

San Francisco, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for San Francisco is 186, which is 86% higher than the national average of 100. This significant increase is largely due to the housing costs, which are 276 on the index. This means housing costs in San Francisco are nearly three times the national average.
Other expenses also contribute to the higher cost of living in San Francisco. For example, groceries cost 25% more, with an index of 125. Utilities are 5% higher at 105, while transportation costs are 30% above the national average at 130. Healthcare costs are 10% higher, with an index of 110. Miscellaneous costs, such as entertainment and clothing, are also 30% higher at 130. These factors combine to make San Francisco one of the more expensive places to live in the United States.