What is the average salary in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco offers competitive salaries across various industries. Professionals in technology and healthcare enjoy some of the highest average earnings. With the average yearly salary standing at $122,379, job seekers will find many opportunities to advance their careers.
Here are some average salaries in key industries:
- Technology: $157,822
- Healthcare: $134,125
- Finance: $181,518
- Business and Management: $110,429
- Education: $63,036
What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA?

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Research Engineer
Average Salary: $297,712
This role involves working in tech giants, conducting research to enhance products. Companies like Google and Apple seek such skills. Research is a core task, focusing on innovation.
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Physician
Average Salary: $262,252
Medical professionals in this city enjoy high earnings. They work in top-tier hospitals, offering advanced care. Institutions like UCSF Health are known for their excellence.
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Platform Director
Average Salary: $252,866
Leading teams to manage digital platforms is crucial. This role often involves working with companies like Salesforce. Success depends on strategic vision and execution.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $237,716
This legal expert advises on corporate law. They work with firms like Oracle and Salesforce. Their role is to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.
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Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $237,419
Strategists in this role focus on growth and innovation. They work with tech companies like Google. Their advice shapes the direction of the company.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $234,277
These doctors provide essential health care. They work in well-known clinics. Their role is to manage patients' overall health and well-being.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $232,765
Dentists offer essential oral care services. They work in private practices. Their skills help maintain patients' dental health and hygiene.
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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $230,703
Engineering directors lead teams in tech development. They work with companies like Uber. Their focus is on innovation and project delivery.
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Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $230,069
These engineers design systems and solve complex problems. They work in firms like Tesla. Their role involves leading projects and teams.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $214,508
Staff engineers work on projects to improve tech solutions. They work with companies like Dropbox. Their role requires strong technical and problem-solving skills.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA without a degree?

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Landscaper
Average Salary: $75,925
This role offers the chance to work outdoors, maintaining beautiful properties. Landscapers often work with renowned companies in the city, crafting elegant gardens and outdoor spaces. Flexibility to work in different environments makes it a rewarding job.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $75,648
A restaurant manager oversees daily operations, ensuring smooth service and staff management. They often work with top-tier dining establishments, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. The role offers a dynamic environment and the chance to excel in a fast-paced setting.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $69,344
Canvassers interact directly with the community, gathering information or promoting causes. This role offers the opportunity to work for a variety of organizations, from non-profits to political campaigns. It provides a chance to be actively involved in the city's civic life.
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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $58,165
Arborist climbers work high up in trees, ensuring they are healthy and safe. This job requires physical agility and a strong work ethic. They often collaborate with urban forestry teams, playing a crucial role in maintaining the city's green spaces.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $57,218
Floor techs ensure that floors are clean and shiny in various settings. They work in offices, hotels, and event spaces, keeping the environment pristine. This role involves using specialized equipment and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $53,979
Housekeepers maintain cleanliness in homes and hotels. They perform tasks like tidying rooms, changing linens, and ensuring a comfortable living environment. This role is vital for hospitality and residential services.
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Banquet Houseperson
Average Salary: $53,403
Banquet housepeople prepare and maintain event spaces. They set up tables, arrange chairs, and ensure everything is ready for events. This role involves attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $52,282
Kitchen managers oversee kitchen operations, ensuring food is prepared to the highest standards. They coordinate with chefs and kitchen staff, maintaining smooth workflow. This role is crucial in the fast-paced food service industry.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $52,233
Server assistants support servers in dining settings. They help with taking orders, clearing tables, and assisting with food service. This role provides a chance to work closely with customers and support the dining experience.
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Bar Back
Average Salary: $51,590
Bar backs support bartenders by preparing drinks and maintaining the bar area. They work in busy bars and restaurants, ensuring the bar operates smoothly. This role offers a dynamic work environment with the chance to interact with patrons.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Francisco, CA?

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OpenAI
Average Salary: $305,699
OpenAI works in the field of Artificial Intelligence. They aim to ensure AI benefits all of humanity.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $217,499
Waymo focuses on self-driving technology. They want to make transportation safer and more convenient.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $217,424
LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They aim to provide excellent care to patients.
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Okta
Average Salary: $215,147
Okta helps manage user identities. They make it easy for companies to keep their online accounts secure.
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SAP
Average Salary: $213,517
SAP offers business software. They help companies manage their operations and data.
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Salesforce
Average Salary: $212,801
Salesforce makes customer relationship management software. They help businesses connect with their customers.
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Quizlet
Average Salary: $212,640
Quizlet offers study tools for students. They aim to make learning easier and more effective.
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Airtable
Average Salary: $211,501
Airtable provides a flexible database. They help people organize and share information easily.
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Pinterest
Average Salary: $211,321
Pinterest is a visual discovery engine. It allows people to find and share ideas.
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Cisco
Average Salary: $210,740
Cisco makes networking equipment. They help connect people and devices across the world.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in San Francisco, CA, significantly surpasses the nationwide average, with an overall cost of living index of 150. This means that living in San Francisco is approximately 50% more expensive than the average city in the United States. The most striking difference is in housing, where the index stands at 263. This shows that housing costs in San Francisco are 163% higher than the national average.
Beyond housing, other categories also show higher costs. Groceries cost about 23% more, with an index of 123. Transportation and utilities also exceed the national average, at 26% and 12% higher, respectively. While healthcare is slightly cheaper than the average, miscellaneous costs are up by 28%. These figures highlight the importance of considering the higher living costs when moving to or evaluating job opportunities in San Francisco.



