Salaries in South San Francisco, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in South San Francisco, CA?

The average salary in South San Francisco, CA is $85,755 per year.

South San Francisco, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in the area is around $85,755. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers looking to understand the earning potential in the region. Salaries can vary significantly based on the industry and the specific role.


Some of the top-paying industries in South San Francisco include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and technology. In these sectors, professionals can expect to earn competitive salaries. For example, roles in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals often start at around $73,173 and can go up to $130,432 or more. Technology positions also offer attractive salaries, with many starting at $92,259 and reaching up to $187,691. These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in specialized fields.

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

South San Francisco offers a variety of high-paying jobs, especially in tech and healthcare. Software engineers lead the way with an average salary of $156,665. Registered nurses also earn well, with an average of $128,001. Other top-paying roles include technical project leads, speech language pathologists, and scientists. These positions provide excellent opportunities for those with the right skills and experience. Managers in general, operations, and sales also enjoy competitive salaries. Job seekers in South San Francisco can find rewarding careers in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in South San Francisco, CA, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $156,665 and Sales Manager with the lowest at $77,448.
  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $156,665
    Develop and design software applications. Work with tech companies like Google and Apple. Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,001
    Provide patient care and support. Work in hospitals and clinics. Gain experience in a city with top-notch healthcare facilities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  3. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $124,079
    Manage technical projects and teams. Collaborate with tech companies. Lead projects that require problem-solving and innovation.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $123,243
    Help patients with communication and swallowing. Work in healthcare settings. Make a positive impact on people's lives.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  5. Scientist
    Average Salary: $107,013
    Conduct research and experiments. Work with biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Contribute to scientific discoveries and advancements.
    Find Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $89,157
    Assess and improve behavior. Work with schools and healthcare providers. Help individuals achieve their full potential.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  7. Research Associate
    Average Salary: $84,774
    Assist in research projects. Work with universities and research institutions. Gain valuable experience in a scientific setting.
    Find Research Associate jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  8. General Manager
    Average Salary: $81,317
    Oversee operations and staff. Manage restaurants and retail stores. Ensure smooth and efficient business operations.
    Find General Manager jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  9. Operations Manager
    Average Salary: $81,220
    Plan and coordinate business activities. Work in various industries. Ensure the company runs smoothly and efficiently.
    Find Operations Manager jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  10. Sales Manager
    Average Salary: $77,448
    Lead sales teams and strategies. Work in tech and retail sectors. Drive sales and achieve company goals.
    Find Sales Manager jobs in South San Francisco, CA

What are the best paying jobs in South San Francisco, CA without a degree?

South San Francisco offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Among these, line cooks earn the most, with an average salary of $43,183. Housekeeping staff, baristas, and servers also enjoy good pay, with salaries ranging from $37,315 to $40,321. These roles provide excellent opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in South San Francisco, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $43,183 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $37,315.
  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $43,183
    This role involves preparing ingredients and cooking food. It requires attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure. Many restaurants in the area offer this opportunity.
    Find Line Cook jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,321
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms and facilities. This job is ideal for those who enjoy a clean and organized environment. Many hotels and resorts in the area need housekeepers.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,588
    Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. This role requires good customer service skills. Many cafes and restaurants in the area offer barista positions.
    Find Barista jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $38,658
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They need to be friendly and efficient. Many dining establishments in the area need servers.
    Find Server jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,445
    Service team members assist customers with their needs. This role requires good communication skills. Many retail stores and service companies in the area offer this position.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,315
    Dishwasher duties include cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment. This job requires reliability and attention to detail. Many restaurants and food service companies in the area need dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in South San Francisco, CA

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

Job seekers in South San Francisco, CA, have several top-paying companies to consider. Cytokinetics leads the way with an average salary of $170,681. Merck and Cellares follow closely, offering average salaries of $155,101 and $151,692, respectively. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for those seeking higher earnings. Other notable employers in the area include Concentra, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and See's Candies. Concentra offers an average salary of $124,479, while Thermo Fisher Scientific and See's Candies provide $117,512 and $95,257, respectively. These companies also offer good salaries and benefits, making them worthwhile options for job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in South San Francisco, CA, highlighting CYTOKINETICS with the highest at $170,681 and Auto-Chlor System with the lowest at $64,372.
  1. CYTOKINETICS
    Average Salary: $170,681
    CYTOKINETICS is a biopharmaceutical company focused on muscle biology. They develop treatments for muscle diseases and related conditions.


  2. Merck
    Average Salary: $155,101
    Merck is a global healthcare leader. They develop medicines and vaccines for many diseases. Merck is known for its innovative research and development.


  3. Cellares
    Average Salary: $151,692
    Cellares is a biotechnology company focused on cell and gene therapy. They work on developing new treatments for genetic disorders.


  4. Concentra
    Average Salary: $124,479
    Concentra is a health care company. They provide occupational medicine and urgent care services. Concentra aims to improve workplace health and safety.


  5. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $117,512
    Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in scientific services and products. They provide solutions for research, clinical trials, and other scientific needs.


  6. See's Candies
    Average Salary: $95,257
    See's Candies is a candy manufacturer known for its high-quality chocolates and candies. They have a strong reputation for customer service and quality.


  7. Tellus Solutions
    Average Salary: $85,753
    Tellus Solutions offers IT and consulting services. They help businesses improve their technology and operations.


  8. Health Plan of San Mateo
    Average Salary: $82,729
    Health Plan of San Mateo provides health care coverage. They focus on delivering quality health services to their members.


  9. Apria Healthcare
    Average Salary: $65,754
    Apria Healthcare offers home health care services. They provide medical equipment and supplies to help patients at home.


  10. Auto-Chlor System
    Average Salary: $64,372
    Auto-Chlor System is a company that specializes in water treatment solutions. They provide systems for chlorination and other water purification needs.

How does the cost of living in South San Francisco, CA compare to the national average?

South San Francisco, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in South San Francisco is 136, which is 36% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by the housing index, which stands at 220, indicating a significant 120% rise in housing costs. Other categories like groceries and utilities also show above-average costs, making South San Francisco a more expensive place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for South San Francisco, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 120% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

The cost of living in South San Francisco, CA, is notably higher than the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs, for instance, stand at 220 on the index, which is 120% higher than the national average of 100. This significant increase means that housing expenses are more than double what they might be in other parts of the country. Groceries also show a substantial rise, with an index of 125, indicating a 25% increase over the national average. This means that everyday food purchases cost more for residents in South San Francisco.


Utilities and transportation also reflect higher costs, with indexes of 110 and 130, respectively. Utilities are 10% higher than the national average, while transportation costs are 30% higher. Healthcare costs are slightly above the average, with an index of 115, showing a 15% increase. Miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 140, are 40% higher than the average, indicating that various other costs also exceed the national norm. Overall, South San Francisco presents a cost of living that is significantly above the national average in multiple essential areas.

There are 556 job openings in South San Francisco, CA, today!

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

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City
Overview
South San Francisco, CA
556 Job Openings