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What is the average salary in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary in San Francisco, CA is $117,100 per year.

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
These figures show the potential for high earnings in certain fields. Job seekers can find rewarding opportunities in San Francisco.

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What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA?

San Francisco offers some of the highest-paying jobs in the nation. Among the top-paying positions are roles in technology, healthcare, and law. Research Engineers and Physicians lead the way with average salaries over $200,000. Directors of Enterprise Strategy and General Counsels also enjoy lucrative compensation packages. These roles often require advanced degrees and significant experience. Engineers, both Principal and Staff, find rewarding careers in San Francisco, with salaries reflecting their expertise. Security Engineers, too, command high pay due to the critical nature of their work. These positions highlight the city's strong demand for skilled professionals in various fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Francisco, CA, highlighting Research Engineer with the highest at $290,952 and Security Engineer with the lowest at $212,619.
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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?

San Francisco offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Landscapers earn an average of $73,985 annually, while canvassers make around $72,038. Restaurant managers also enjoy a good salary, averaging $70,820 per year. Arborist climbers, floor technicians, and housekeeping staff can expect to earn around $57,978, $56,566, and $52,921, respectively. Kitchen managers and server assistants make about $51,685 and $51,590 annually. Bar backs and food service aides earn around $51,509 and $50,139 per year. These roles provide good opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Francisco, CA without a degree, highlighting Landscaper with the highest at $73,985 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $50,139.
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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?

San Francisco offers some of the highest-paying job opportunities in the tech industry. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic lead the way with average salaries over $296,000. These tech giants attract top talent with competitive compensation packages. Other notable companies in San Francisco include Quizlet, Pinterest, and LifeStance Health, all offering average salaries above $200,000. Salesforce, Waymo, Discord, and SAP also provide attractive salary packages, making San Francisco a prime location for job seekers looking for high earnings.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $309,468 and SAP with the lowest at $205,499.
  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $309,468
    OpenAI is a leading company in artificial intelligence. It focuses on creating safe and beneficial AI for everyone.


  2. Anthropic
    Average Salary: $296,088
    Anthropic works on artificial intelligence safety. They aim to build reliable AI systems that align with human values.


  3. Quizlet
    Average Salary: $210,846
    Quizlet offers tools for studying and learning. It helps students and teachers with interactive study methods.


  4. Pinterest
    Average Salary: $210,657
    Pinterest is a visual discovery engine. It allows users to find and share ideas through images and videos.


  5. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $210,581
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services. They focus on offering quality care to patients through various clinics.


  6. Okta
    Average Salary: $209,423
    Okta specializes in identity and access management. It helps businesses secure their digital resources.


  7. Salesforce
    Average Salary: $208,837
    Salesforce is a cloud-based software company. It offers customer relationship management solutions to businesses.


  8. Waymo
    Average Salary: $208,661
    Waymo is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. It aims to make transportation safer and more efficient.


  9. Discord
    Average Salary: $205,829
    Discord is a communication platform for communities. It allows users to chat, voice call, and stream together.


  10. 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, CA, has a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The city's cost of living index stands at 180, which is 80% higher than the national average of 100. This elevated index affects various aspects, including housing, groceries, and utilities, making it essential for job seekers to consider these factors when planning their move.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Francisco, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 180% higher, groceries 36% higher, utilities 30% higher, transportation 35% higher, healthcare 4% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

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.

There are 7,956 job openings in San Francisco, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in San Francisco, CA

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City
Overview
San Francisco, CA
7,956 Job Openings