Salaries in San Francisco, CA
What is the average salary in San Francisco, CA?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in San Francisco, CA?

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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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $51,531
Oversee kitchen operations. Manage staff and ensure food quality. Work in a city with a vibrant food scene.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Francisco, CA?

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OpenAI
Average Salary: $301,321
OpenAI is a leading company in artificial intelligence research. It aims to ensure AI benefits all of humanity.
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Anthropic
Average Salary: $282,205
Anthropic focuses on developing safe and beneficial AI. It works to create AI systems that align with human values.
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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.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $221,668
LifeStance Health offers mental health services. It aims to make mental health care accessible and effective for all.
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Canva
Average Salary: $216,790
Canva is a graphic design platform. It helps people create beautiful visuals with ease, making design accessible to everyone.
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CRUSOE
Average Salary: $201,146
CRUSOE is a company focused on AI and machine learning. It develops innovative solutions to improve business operations.
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Databricks
Average Salary: $200,210
Databricks provides a unified analytics platform. It helps organizations manage and analyze their data more effectively.
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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.
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Apple
Average Salary: $196,854
Apple designs and creates consumer electronics, computers, and software. It is known for its innovative products and design.
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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, 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.