What is the average salary in San Francisco, CA?
In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary stands at $125,789. This high average reflects the city’s strong job market and competitive salaries across various industries. Salaries range from $39,500 for entry-level positions to over $300,000 for top-tier jobs.
The salary distribution shows a clear trend, with the largest percentage of jobs (23.69%) falling between $64,000 and $88,000. Jobs paying between $113,000 and $137,000 represent the second-largest group (13.12%). Some of the highest-paying jobs include technology, finance, and healthcare positions. Understanding these salary ranges can help job seekers target industries that match their skills and career goals.
What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA?

-
Research Engineer
Average Salary: $302,254
This role involves developing and testing new products and systems. Working at tech giants like Google or Apple, engineers focus on creating innovative solutions. They collaborate with teams to ensure projects meet high standards.
Find Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Physician
Average Salary: $280,983
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in top hospitals like UCSF Health and Sutter Health. These professionals provide care and manage patient health in various medical specialties.
Find Physician jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $271,565
In this leadership role, the director oversees engineering teams. They guide projects at companies like Salesforce and LinkedIn. Directors ensure projects meet goals and deadlines, fostering a collaborative environment.
Find Director of Engineering jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Director Engineering
Average Salary: $270,844
This role involves strategic planning and team management. Directors work at firms like Dropbox and GitHub. They lead engineering teams, ensuring projects align with company goals and standards.
Find Director Engineering jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
General Counsel
Average Salary: $244,850
General Counsels provide legal advice to companies. They work in organizations like Uber and Airbnb. Counsels handle legal issues, ensuring companies comply with laws and regulations.
Find General Counsel jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $238,954
Primary Care Physicians focus on general health care. They work in clinics and hospitals. Physicians manage patients' health, offering preventive care and treatments.
Find Primary Care Physician jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $237,914
Principal Engineers design and develop systems. They work at tech companies like Google and Facebook. Principals lead projects, ensuring high-quality and innovative solutions.
Find Principal Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $234,449
This role involves strategic planning and business development. Directors work at firms like Salesforce and Oracle. They develop strategies to drive business growth and innovation.
Find Director of Enterprise Strategy jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
General Dentist
Average Salary: $233,983
General Dentists provide oral health care. They work in private practices and clinics. Dentists perform routine check-ups, cleanings, and treatments to maintain patients' oral health.
Find General Dentist jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $227,458
Staff Engineers work on complex projects. They are employed by companies like Google and Facebook. Staff Engineers develop and maintain systems, collaborating with teams to solve technical challenges.
Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA without a degree?

-
Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $61,111
This role involves climbing trees to trim and maintain them. It offers great outdoor work in a tech-rich city. Companies like local tree services and parks departments are often hiring.
Find Arborist Climber jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Banquet Houseperson
Average Salary: $57,400
The work involves setting up and cleaning up for events. It can be busy but rewarding. Venues in the city often need dependable staff.
Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Floor Tech
Average Salary: $56,222
This job means keeping floors clean and shiny in busy places. It requires attention to detail and the ability to work quickly. Many retail and commercial spaces hire for this role.
Find Floor Tech jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Landscaper
Average Salary: $56,194
The role involves maintaining gardens and outdoor areas. It offers great outdoor work. Landscaping companies in the city often seek skilled workers.
Find Landscaper jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Housekeeping
Average Salary: $55,456
This work includes cleaning and maintaining rooms in hotels and other facilities. It requires a neat and organized approach. Hospitality companies in the area often look for housekeepers.
Find Housekeeping jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Food Preparer
Average Salary: $55,197
The role involves making meals in a fast-paced kitchen. It requires good teamwork and attention to detail. Many restaurants and cafes in the city need food preparers.
Find Food Preparer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Server Assistant
Average Salary: $53,332
The work involves helping servers in a restaurant. It requires a friendly attitude and good communication skills. Dining establishments in the city often look for server assistants.
Find Server Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Canvasser
Average Salary: $52,589
This role involves gathering information by asking questions. It can be done on foot or by phone. Companies in the area often hire canvassers for surveys.
Find Canvasser jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $50,927
The work includes overseeing kitchen staff and operations. It requires strong leadership skills. Many eateries in the city need kitchen managers.
Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Seafood Team Member
Average Salary: $49,209
The role involves preparing and serving seafood. It requires a keen eye for detail. Seafood restaurants in the city often need team members.
Find Seafood Team Member jobs in San Francisco, CA
Which companies offer the top salaries in San Francisco, CA?

-
OpenAI
Average Salary: $304,205
OpenAI is a leading tech company focused on creating safe artificial intelligence. It values innovation and aims to develop AI that benefits humanity.
-
Lambda
Average Salary: $281,139
Lambda is a coding school that equips students with the skills needed for careers in tech. It offers immersive courses and personalized career support.
-
Palm Health Resources
Average Salary: $230,948
Palm Health Resources is a top healthcare staffing firm. It works with healthcare providers to find the best talent for their needs.
-
Cisco
Average Salary: $229,537
Cisco is a global leader in networking and technology. It provides innovative solutions to help businesses connect and communicate effectively.
-
LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $226,596
LifeStance Health offers mental health services across the country. It aims to improve the well-being of patients with a variety of mental health conditions.
-
Pinterest
Average Salary: $224,777
Pinterest is a visual discovery platform. It helps users find ideas and inspiration for their everyday lives through images and videos.
-
Grammarly
Average Salary: $223,809
Grammarly provides a writing assistant tool. It helps users improve their writing by offering grammar, spelling, and style suggestions.
-
Okta
Average Salary: $221,645
Okta specializes in identity and access management solutions. It helps companies secure their digital assets and protect user data.
-
Harvey
Average Salary: $220,600
Harvey is a legal technology company. It offers tools to help lawyers analyze and summarize legal documents more efficiently.
-
Discord
Average Salary: $218,240
Discord is a voice and text chat platform. It allows communities to connect and communicate in real time, popular among gamers and other groups.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco, CA compare to the national average?

San Francisco, CA, has a high cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for housing stands at 267, which is significantly higher than the average of 100. This means that housing costs in San Francisco are 167% higher than the national average. Job seekers should be prepared for higher expenses related to finding a place to live, which can greatly impact their overall budget.
Other areas also show a steep increase from the national average. For example, groceries cost 23% more in San Francisco, with an index of 123. Utilities are 22% higher, at an index of 122. Transportation costs, including public transit and fuel, are 32% higher, with an index of 132. Healthcare services cost 27% more, at 127, while miscellaneous items are 12% more expensive, at 112. These figures suggest that living in San Francisco requires a budget that is well above the national average.



