Salaries in San Francisco, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary in San Francisco, CA is $106,042 per year.

San Francisco offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average salary in the city is around $106,000. This high earning potential attracts many job seekers. The tech industry leads with the highest salaries, often exceeding $200,000 for senior positions. Other sectors like finance, healthcare, and education also offer attractive compensation packages.


Salaries in San Francisco vary based on experience and role. Entry-level positions start at about $37,500. Mid-level roles can earn between $80,000 and $120,000. Senior positions often surpass $200,000. This range provides opportunities for growth and advancement. Job seekers can find roles that match their skills and career goals.

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

San Francisco offers many top-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Among the highest-paying positions are roles in engineering, healthcare, and law. Research engineers, physicians, and general counsels lead the list with impressive salaries. Engineering roles, such as Director of Enterprise Strategy, Director of Engineering, and Principal Engineer, offer substantial pay. Physicians, including General Counsel and Primary Care Physicians, also command high salaries. These positions reflect the city's strong demand for skilled professionals in these fields. Job seekers can find rewarding opportunities with competitive compensation.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Francisco, CA, highlighting Research Engineer with the highest at $277,463 and Staff Engineer with the lowest at $205,421.
  1. Research Engineer
    Average Salary: $277,463
    Research Engineers work on developing new technologies and improving existing ones. They often collaborate with tech giants like Google and Apple. This role requires strong analytical skills and a passion for innovation.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Physician
    Average Salary: $253,974
    Physicians diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals and clinics, often partnering with major healthcare providers. This role demands a deep understanding of medical science and excellent patient care skills.
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  3. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $228,286
    General Counsels provide legal advice to companies. They work with major corporations and law firms. This role requires a strong grasp of legal principles and the ability to navigate complex legal issues.
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  4. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $227,827
    Primary Care Physicians manage patients' overall health. They work in clinics and hospitals, often partnering with healthcare organizations. This role involves preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of various conditions.
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  5. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $217,194
    General Dentists provide dental care to patients. They work in private practices and dental clinics. This role requires a keen eye for detail and a commitment to patient oral health.
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  6. Director of Enterprise Strategy
    Average Salary: $213,016
    Directors of Enterprise Strategy develop long-term plans for companies. They work with tech firms and consultancies. This role involves strategic planning and aligning business goals with market trends.
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  7. Director of Engineering
    Average Salary: $210,346
    Directors of Engineering lead engineering teams. They work with tech companies and startups. This role requires strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of engineering principles.
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  8. Technical Director
    Average Salary: $209,805
    Technical Directors oversee technical projects. They work with tech firms and media companies. This role involves managing teams and ensuring projects meet technical standards.
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  9. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $206,473
    Principal Engineers design and develop systems. They work with tech companies and research institutions. This role requires advanced technical skills and a creative approach to problem-solving.
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  10. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $205,421
    Staff Engineers work on complex engineering projects. They collaborate with tech firms and startups. This role demands strong technical skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA without a degree?

San Francisco offers many high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Restaurant managers can earn over $68,000 a year. Landscapers and coffee tasters also make good money, with annual salaries around $66,000 and $65,000, respectively. Arborist climbers and floor techs can earn over $58,000 and $54,000 a year. Kitchen managers, server assistants, and housekeeping staff also have good earning potential. These jobs provide a chance to earn a solid income without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Francisco, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $68,342 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $46,426.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $68,342
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in a bustling city with many dining options.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $66,542
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Work with plants, trees, and hardscapes. Enjoy the beauty of the city's parks and gardens.
    Find Landscaper jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Coffee Taster
    Average Salary: $65,909
    Taste and evaluate coffee beans. Provide feedback on flavor and quality. Work in a city known for its coffee culture and numerous cafes.
    Find Coffee Taster jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $58,717
    Climb trees to trim and maintain them. Ensure safety and health of trees. Enjoy the beauty of the city's urban forest.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $54,582
    Clean and maintain floors in various settings. Use specialized equipment. Work in a city with many commercial and residential spaces.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in San Francisco, CA


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $51,531
    Oversee kitchen operations. Manage staff and ensure food quality. Work in a city with a vibrant food scene.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $51,236
    Assist servers in providing excellent service. Set up tables and clear dishes. Work in a city with many dining options.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  8. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $51,098
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or other facilities. Ensure a comfortable environment for guests. Work in a city with many visitors.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Francisco, CA


  9. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $47,218
    Cut and prepare meat for sale. Ensure quality and safety. Work in a city with many grocery stores and butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in San Francisco, CA


  10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $46,426
    Assist in food preparation and service. Help with cleaning and other tasks. Work in a city with many dining options.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in San Francisco, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in San Francisco, CA?

San Francisco offers many companies with high salaries for job seekers. Leading the pack is OpenAI, with an average salary of $301,321. Anthropic follows closely with an average salary of $282,205. Other top-paying companies include Palo Alto Networks, LifeStance Health, and Canva, all offering salaries above $200,000. These companies provide competitive compensation and benefits, making them attractive to professionals. Salesforce, Apple, and Pinterest also offer salaries over $195,000. Job seekers in San Francisco have many opportunities to find rewarding positions with excellent pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $301,321 and Pinterest with the lowest at $195,455.
  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $301,321
    OpenAI is a leading company in artificial intelligence research. It aims to ensure AI benefits all of humanity.


  2. Anthropic
    Average Salary: $282,205
    Anthropic focuses on developing safe and beneficial AI. It works to create AI systems that align with human values.


  3. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $251,465
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity leader. It provides advanced security for enterprises, helping to protect against cyber threats.


  4. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $221,668
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. It aims to make mental health care accessible and effective for all.


  5. Canva
    Average Salary: $216,790
    Canva is a graphic design platform. It helps people create beautiful visuals with ease, making design accessible to everyone.


  6. CRUSOE
    Average Salary: $201,146
    CRUSOE is a company focused on AI and machine learning. It develops innovative solutions to improve business operations.


  7. Databricks
    Average Salary: $200,210
    Databricks provides a unified analytics platform. It helps organizations manage and analyze their data more effectively.


  8. Salesforce
    Average Salary: $198,454
    Salesforce is a global leader in customer relationship management (CRM). It helps businesses connect with their customers in a new way.


  9. Apple
    Average Salary: $196,854
    Apple designs and creates consumer electronics, computers, and software. It is known for its innovative products and design.


  10. Pinterest
    Average Salary: $195,455
    Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform. It allows users to find and save ideas for things they love.

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 165, which is 65% 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.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Francisco, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 165% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 50% higher.

San Francisco, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for housing in San Francisco is 265, which is 165% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs in San Francisco are more than double the average costs seen across the country. People looking to buy or rent a home in San Francisco should be prepared for significantly higher expenses.


Other areas also show higher costs in San Francisco. For groceries, the cost of living index is 120, which is 20% higher than the national average. Utilities cost 105, which is 5% higher. Transportation costs 130, which is 30% higher. Healthcare costs 110, which is 10% higher. Miscellaneous costs are 150, which is 50% higher. These figures show that many aspects of living in San Francisco are more expensive than the average in the United States. Job seekers should consider these costs when looking for opportunities in the area.

There are 9,738 job openings in San Francisco, CA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in San Francisco, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
San Francisco, CA
9,738 Job Openings