How much does a Research Engineer make in San Francisco, CA?
In San Francisco, CA, a Research Engineer can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for this role is around $283,031. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in the tech-driven city. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and the specific industry.
Research Engineers in San Francisco often see a range of salaries. The lowest 10% earn about $101,000 per year, while the top 10% can make over $400,000 annually. Most professionals fall between $160,818 and $370,182. This wide range highlights the opportunities for growth and advancement in the field. Companies in San Francisco value innovation and research, which often translates to attractive compensation packages.
What are the highest paying cities for a Research Engineer near San Francisco, CA?

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Redwood City, CA
Average Salary: $225,917
In Redwood City, tech innovation thrives. Companies like Oracle and VMware offer exciting opportunities. Engineers work on cutting-edge projects, pushing the boundaries of technology.
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Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $213,771
Palo Alto is a hub for tech giants. Google and Tesla are prominent employers. Engineers here enjoy a dynamic environment, working on projects that shape the future.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $207,711
San Jose is Silicon Valley's heart. Companies like Intel and Cisco provide diverse roles. Engineers collaborate on groundbreaking projects, making significant impacts.
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Santa Clara, CA
Average Salary: $184,734
Santa Clara offers a vibrant tech scene. Apple and AMD are key employers. Engineers here benefit from a supportive community, working on innovative solutions.
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Mountain View, CA
Average Salary: $171,287
Mountain View is home to Google. The city offers a unique blend of tech and nature. Engineers enjoy a collaborative environment, working on projects that drive global change.
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Sunnyvale, CA
Average Salary: $167,886
Sunnyvale boasts a thriving tech industry. Companies like eBay and VMware are major employers. Engineers here work on exciting projects, contributing to technological advancements.
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Livermore, CA
Average Salary: $154,640
Livermore is known for its research institutions. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a key employer. Engineers here focus on critical research, making significant contributions to science and technology.
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Menlo Park, CA
Average Salary: $145,326
Menlo Park is a tech hub. Facebook and other startups are prominent. Engineers enjoy a fast-paced environment, working on innovative projects that push the tech frontier.
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Berkeley, CA
Average Salary: $105,149
Berkeley offers a unique blend of academia and tech. UC Berkeley and various tech companies are major employers. Engineers here work on cutting-edge research, contributing to both academia and industry.
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What are the best paying companies for a Research Engineer in San Francisco, CA?

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Anthropic
Average Salary: $397,813
Anthropic is a leading AI safety company based in San Francisco. They focus on creating AI systems that are safe and beneficial. Research Engineers at Anthropic work on cutting-edge projects to ensure AI is developed responsibly. The company operates in San Francisco, CA.
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OpenAI
Average Salary: $372,965
OpenAI is a renowned AI research company located in San Francisco. They aim to advance AI in a way that is safe and beneficial for everyone. Research Engineers at OpenAI work on developing new AI technologies and improving existing ones. The company operates in San Francisco, CA.
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Autodesk
Average Salary: $154,644
Autodesk is a software company that provides tools for design, engineering, and entertainment. They are based in San Francisco and have a strong focus on innovation. Research Engineers at Autodesk work on creating new software solutions and improving user experience. The company operates in San Francisco, CA.
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University of California - San Francisco
Average Salary: $134,433
The University of California - San Francisco is a top-tier research institution. They offer many opportunities for Research Engineers to work on groundbreaking projects. The university operates in San Francisco, CA, and is known for its contributions to medical and scientific research.
What are the best paying Research Engineer related jobs in San Francisco, CA?

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Robotics Engineer
Average Salary: $210,146
This role involves designing and building robotic systems. Companies like Tesla and Google work on advanced robotics. They focus on automation and improving efficiency.
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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $207,031
These engineers create models that allow machines to learn from data. Firms like Apple and Salesforce hire them to improve their products. They work on projects that need data analysis and pattern recognition.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $190,672
Software engineers develop applications and systems. Companies like Uber and LinkedIn need them to create user-friendly software. They write code and test software to ensure it works well.
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Bioprocess Engineer
Average Salary: $190,250
These engineers work on processes that use living organisms. Companies like Genentech and Illumina hire them to improve production methods. They focus on creating efficient and safe bioprocesses.
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Data Scientist
Average Salary: $182,585
Data scientists analyze large sets of data to find insights. Firms like Facebook and Airbnb need them to make data-driven decisions. They use statistical methods and machine learning to interpret data.
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Yield Engineer
Average Salary: $180,050
Yield engineers work to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes. Companies like Intel and Qualcomm hire them to increase production. They focus on reducing waste and improving product quality.
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Mechatronics Engineer
Average Salary: $173,460
These engineers combine mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Companies like Tesla and Apple need them to create innovative products. They design and develop systems that integrate different engineering disciplines.
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Systems Engineer
Average Salary: $171,209
Systems engineers design and manage complex systems. Firms like Google and Microsoft hire them to ensure systems work smoothly. They focus on integrating different parts of a system to achieve overall efficiency.
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DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $161,416
DevOps engineers work to improve collaboration between software and IT teams. Companies like Amazon and Netflix need them to speed up software delivery. They use tools and practices to automate and streamline processes.
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Development Engineer
Average Salary: $156,014
Development engineers work on creating new products and improving existing ones. Companies like Boeing and SpaceX hire them to drive innovation. They focus on research, design, and testing to bring new ideas to life.
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