What is the average salary in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco, CA, offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $117,100. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the high demand for skilled professionals. Salaries in the city range widely, with some sectors offering significantly higher pay.
Here are some salary highlights in San Francisco:
- Technology: $153,576
- Finance: $130,589
- Healthcare: $84,615
- Education: $61,627
- Retail: $38,640
What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA?

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Research Engineer
Average Salary: $290,952
Research Engineers work on developing new technologies. They often collaborate with tech giants like Google and Apple. Their work can lead to significant advancements in tech and innovation.
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Physician
Average Salary: $251,604
Physicians diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. In San Francisco, they often deal with a diverse patient population. Their role is crucial for maintaining public health.
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Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $234,962
Directors of Enterprise Strategy plan and guide the overall direction of a company. They work with tech companies like Salesforce and Slack. Their strategies help businesses grow and succeed in a competitive market.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $233,804
General Counsels provide legal advice to companies. They work in law firms and corporate offices. In San Francisco, they often deal with tech startups and established firms. Their role is vital for navigating legal challenges.
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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $229,180
Directors of Engineering lead engineering teams. They work in tech companies like Uber and LinkedIn. Their leadership ensures projects are completed on time and meet quality standards. They play a key role in product development.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $227,229
General Dentists provide dental care to patients. They work in dental clinics and private practices. In San Francisco, they often see a variety of patients with different dental needs. Their work is essential for maintaining oral health.
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Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $226,014
Principal Engineers design and develop technology solutions. They work in companies like Oracle and IBM. They often lead projects that require innovative thinking. Their work drives technological progress.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $219,800
Primary Care Physicians provide general medical care. They work in clinics and hospitals. In San Francisco, they often manage a wide range of health issues. Their role is fundamental in preventive care and patient management.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $213,455
Staff Engineers work on complex engineering projects. They collaborate with teams at tech companies like Dropbox and GitHub. They focus on solving technical challenges and improving systems. Their expertise is crucial for product development.
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Security Engineer
Average Salary: $212,619
Security Engineers protect systems from cyber threats. They work in companies like PayPal and Square. They develop security protocols and monitor for vulnerabilities. Their work is vital for safeguarding sensitive information.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA without a degree?

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Landscaper
Average Salary: $73,985
Landscapers create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces. They work for companies like Green Thumb Landscaping. They plant trees, flowers, and shrubs. They also mow lawns and trim hedges. Landscapers need to be detail-oriented and enjoy working outdoors.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $72,038
Canvassers visit homes and businesses to gather information. They work for political campaigns or market research firms. They ask questions and record responses. Canvassers need strong communication skills and the ability to interact with people. They often work in teams to cover more ground.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $70,820
Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They work for restaurants like Fog Harbor Fish House. They manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Managers need excellent leadership skills and the ability to handle stress. They also need to understand food and beverage operations.
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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $57,978
Arborist climbers trim and prune trees. They work for companies like Davey Tree Expert Company. They climb trees and use specialized tools. Climbers need to be physically fit and comfortable at heights. They also need to follow safety protocols to avoid accidents.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $56,566
Floor techs clean and maintain floors. They work in office buildings, hotels, and shopping centers. They sweep, mop, and polish floors. Floor techs need to be detail-oriented and work well under pressure. They often work in shifts to cover all hours of operation.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $52,921
Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms. They work in hotels, motels, and residential homes. They make beds, tidy up, and clean bathrooms. Housekeepers need to be thorough and organized. They also need to work well in a team to meet deadlines.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $51,685
Kitchen managers oversee kitchen staff. They work in restaurants like The Slanted Door. They ensure food is prepared safely and on time. Managers also handle inventory and budgets. They need strong leadership skills and a good understanding of food safety.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $51,590
Server assistants help servers in restaurants. They work in places like The House. They take orders, serve food, and clear tables. Assistants need to be friendly and efficient. They also need to work well in a fast-paced environment.
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Bar Back
Average Salary: $51,509
Bar backs assist bartenders in bars and restaurants. They work in places like The Boardroom. They prepare drinks, stock shelves, and clean equipment. Bar backs need to be quick and attentive. They also need to work well with bartenders to ensure smooth service.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $50,139
Food service aides help prepare and serve food. They work in schools, hospitals, and cafeterias. They wash dishes, set tables, and assist cooks. Aides need to be reliable and detail-oriented. They also need to follow food safety guidelines to ensure cleanliness.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Francisco, CA?

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OpenAI
Average Salary: $309,468
OpenAI is a leading company in artificial intelligence. It focuses on creating safe and beneficial AI for everyone.
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Anthropic
Average Salary: $296,088
Anthropic works on artificial intelligence safety. They aim to build reliable AI systems that align with human values.
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Quizlet
Average Salary: $210,846
Quizlet offers tools for studying and learning. It helps students and teachers with interactive study methods.
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Pinterest
Average Salary: $210,657
Pinterest is a visual discovery engine. It allows users to find and share ideas through images and videos.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $210,581
LifeStance Health provides mental health services. They focus on offering quality care to patients through various clinics.
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Okta
Average Salary: $209,423
Okta specializes in identity and access management. It helps businesses secure their digital resources.
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Salesforce
Average Salary: $208,837
Salesforce is a cloud-based software company. It offers customer relationship management solutions to businesses.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $208,661
Waymo is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. It aims to make transportation safer and more efficient.
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Discord
Average Salary: $205,829
Discord is a communication platform for communities. It allows users to chat, voice call, and stream together.
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SAP
Average Salary: $205,499
SAP provides enterprise software solutions. It helps businesses manage their operations and customer relations.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco, CA compare to the national average?

San Francisco, California, stands out with a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in San Francisco reaches 280, which is 180% higher than the national average of 100. This means that the cost of housing in San Francisco is nearly three times higher than the average cost across the country. Such a high index reflects the competitive and expensive real estate market in the city.
Other areas of living expenses also show elevated costs in San Francisco. For instance, groceries cost 136, which is 36% above the national average. Utilities and transportation each have indices of 130 and 135, respectively, both 30% and 35% higher than the average. Even healthcare, which is often a significant concern, has an index of 104, showing a modest 4% increase. Miscellaneous expenses, though slightly lower, still stand at 120, which is 20% higher than the national average. These figures collectively illustrate the higher financial demands faced by residents of San Francisco.



