Overview Salaries

Salaries in South San Francisco, CA

Updated on Sep 11, 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 $85,640 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for South San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $85,640 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for South San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $7,137 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for South San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $1,647 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for South San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $41 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in South San Francisco, CA, have access to a variety of salary options. The average yearly salary stands at $85,640. This figure reflects a range of opportunities across different industries. The salary distribution shows a mix of lower and higher earnings, offering something for everyone.


The salary distribution in South San Francisco, CA, shows a broad range of earnings. The lowest 10% earn around $35,800, while the highest 10% earn over $246,000. This spread provides many options for job seekers. Industries like healthcare, technology, and finance offer some of the highest salaries. Other sectors, such as retail and hospitality, tend to offer lower salaries. This variety allows job seekers to find roles that match their skills and career goals.

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

South San Francisco offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. Software Engineers lead the way with an average salary of $158,669. Registered Nurses also earn a significant income, averaging $128,858 per year. These roles attract professionals due to their competitive pay and the chance to work in a thriving industry. Other top-paying jobs in the area include Scientists, Behavior Analysts, and Research Associates. These positions offer salaries ranging from $80,473 to $109,785 annually. Operations Managers, General Managers, and Sales Managers also enjoy good salaries, with averages between $83,087 and $85,098. Maintenance Technicians and Preschool Teachers, while still valuable, have lower average salaries, ranging from $53,605 to $68,064. These jobs provide a mix of high-paying and rewarding career paths for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in South San Francisco, CA, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $158,669 and Preschool Teacher with the lowest at $53,605.

  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $158,669
    Software engineers create and test software applications. They work on projects for tech companies, often focusing on developing new tools and systems. Many opportunities exist in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,858
    Registered nurses provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Many positions are available in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  3. Scientist
    Average Salary: $109,785
    Scientists conduct research and experiments. They work in labs, often focusing on developing new products or treatments. Many opportunities exist in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
    Find Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  4. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $88,316
    Behavior analysts study and improve human behavior. They work with individuals to develop new skills and behaviors. Many positions are available in schools and healthcare facilities.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  5. Research Associate
    Average Salary: $85,098
    Research associates conduct experiments and studies. They work in labs, often supporting scientists and other researchers. Many opportunities exist in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
    Find Research Associate jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  6. Operations Manager
    Average Salary: $84,744
    Operations managers oversee daily operations. They work in various industries, ensuring that processes run smoothly. Many positions are available in healthcare and tech companies.
    Find Operations Manager jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $83,087
    General managers oversee business operations. They work in various industries, ensuring that processes run smoothly. Many positions are available in healthcare and tech companies.
    Find General Manager jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  8. Sales Manager
    Average Salary: $80,473
    Sales managers lead sales teams. They work in various industries, ensuring that sales goals are met. Many positions are available in tech and healthcare companies.
    Find Sales Manager jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  9. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $68,064
    Maintenance technicians repair and maintain equipment. They work in various industries, ensuring that equipment runs smoothly. Many positions are available in healthcare and tech companies.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  10. Preschool Teacher
    Average Salary: $53,605
    Preschool teachers educate young children. They work in schools, focusing on early childhood development. Many positions are available in local schools and childcare centers.
    Find Preschool Teacher 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. Line cooks earn an average of $42,911 annually, while housekeepers make around $40,753. Baristas and servers also enjoy good salaries, with averages of $40,517 and $39,964, respectively. These positions provide a chance to earn a solid income while gaining valuable work experience. Service team members and dishwashers round out the list of top-paying jobs without a degree. Service team members earn about $38,186 per year, and dishwashers make around $37,790. These roles offer competitive pay and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in South San Francisco, CA without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $42,911 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $37,790.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $42,911
    In this role, you will prepare ingredients and cook food. You will work in a fast-paced environment. This position is ideal for those who enjoy working in a team and can handle pressure.
    Find Line Cook jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,753
    You will clean and maintain guest rooms, public areas, and facilities. Attention to detail is key. This job offers flexibility and the chance to work in various settings, including hotels and resorts.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,517
    You will prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. You will interact with customers and ensure a pleasant experience. This role is perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced environment and enjoy meeting new people.
    Find Barista jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $39,964
    You will take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure customers have a good experience. This role requires good communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure. It is ideal for those who enjoy interacting with people.
    Find Server jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,186
    You will assist in various tasks, including cleaning, serving, and maintaining the dining area. This role is suitable for those who enjoy a dynamic work environment. It offers the chance to work in different areas of the establishment.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,790
    You will clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It is ideal for those who enjoy a hands-on job and working in a team.
    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 offers the highest average salary at $170,681. Merck and AbbVie also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $155,101 and $145,539, respectively. Other notable companies include Twist Bioscience, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the South San Francisco Unified School District. These companies offer average salaries ranging from $131,962 to $100,717. These figures highlight the strong earning potential in the area for those seeking well-paying job opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in South San Francisco, CA, highlighting CYTOKINETICS with the highest at $170,681 and Apria Healthcare with the lowest at $63,122.

  1. CYTOKINETICS
    Average Salary: $170,681
    Cytokinetics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on muscle biology and muscle contraction. They develop treatments for muscle-related diseases.


  2. Merck
    Average Salary: $155,101
    Merck is a leading global biopharmaceutical company. They develop innovative medicines and vaccines to improve health.


  3. AbbVie
    Average Salary: $145,539
    AbbVie is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. They focus on discovering and delivering breakthrough medicines.


  4. TWIST BIOSCIENCE
    Average Salary: $131,962
    Twist Bioscience specializes in synthetic DNA technology. They provide custom DNA synthesis and gene editing services.


  5. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $114,426
    Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in scientific instruments and services. They support research and healthcare.


  6. South San Francisco Unified School District
    Average Salary: $100,717
    The South San Francisco Unified School District provides education services. They manage schools and educational programs in the area.


  7. See's Candies
    Average Salary: $93,057
    See's Candies is a family-owned candy company. They create and sell a variety of candies and confections.


  8. Health Plan of San Mateo
    Average Salary: $84,340
    Health Plan of San Mateo offers health insurance and services. They focus on providing quality healthcare to the community.


  9. Auto-Chlor System
    Average Salary: $64,391
    Auto-Chlor System specializes in water treatment solutions. They provide equipment and services for clean water.


  10. Apria Healthcare
    Average Salary: $63,122
    Apria Healthcare offers home healthcare services. They provide medical equipment and supplies to patients in their homes.

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 142, which is 42% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely due to the housing costs, which are 242% of the national average. Other expenses, such as groceries and utilities, also exceed the national average, with indices of 134 and 127, respectively. Despite these higher costs, South San Francisco offers a high quality of life, making it an attractive location for many professionals.
Cost of living comparison graph for South San Francisco, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 142% higher, groceries 34% higher, utilities 27% higher, transportation 19% higher, healthcare 8% higher, miscellaneous 23% higher.

South San Francisco, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in South San Francisco stands at 242, which is 42% higher than the national average of 100. This significant increase means that housing costs are notably more expensive for residents in this area.


Other expenses also reflect a higher cost of living. For instance, groceries in South San Francisco are 34% above the national average, with an index of 134. Utilities and miscellaneous costs are also higher, at 27% and 23% above the average, respectively. Transportation costs are slightly above average, with an index of 119, indicating an 19% increase. Healthcare costs, however, are relatively closer to the national average, with an index of 108, showing only an 8% increase. Overall, South San Francisco presents a higher cost of living in most categories compared to the national average.

There are 437 job openings in South San Francisco, CA, today!

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South San Francisco, CA
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