Research Engineer Research Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Research Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
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Salary

How much does a Research Engineer make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a Research Engineer is $297,025 per year in San Francisco, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $297,025 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $24,752 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $5,712 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $143 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Research Engineers in San Francisco, CA, often enjoy competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for this role is around $297,025. This figure represents a mix of starting salaries and those of seasoned professionals. Such figures indicate the value companies place on skilled research talent in tech hubs like San Francisco.

Salary ranges for Research Engineers in San Francisco vary. Entry-level positions can start at around $106,000 annually. Those with more experience can earn upwards of $457,500. Many factors influence these figures, including education, specific industry demands, and individual job performance. San Francisco's high cost of living also plays a part, often reflected in higher salaries.

Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
View all Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Research Engineer near San Francisco, CA?

Job seekers should consider the top cities near San Francisco for Research Engineer jobs. Redwood City and Palo Alto offer the highest salaries. With an average salary of nearly $226,000, Redwood City tops the list. Other nearby cities also provide strong earning potential. San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale follow closely behind. These cities boast average salaries ranging from $152,000 to $203,000. By looking in these areas, candidates can find rewarding opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Engineer jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Redwood City, CA with the highest at $225,917 and Oakland, CA with the lowest at $93,848.

  1. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $225,917
    In Redwood City, engineers have opportunities to work with leading tech companies. Collaboration with top-tier firms enhances skill development and networking. Professionals enjoy a vibrant tech scene with numerous startups and established companies.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


  2. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $208,990
    Palo Alto offers a dynamic environment for innovation in engineering. Many tech giants call this city home, providing a rich landscape for research and development. Engineers here benefit from a strong focus on cutting-edge technology and collaboration.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $202,672
    San Jose is a hub for tech innovation with numerous opportunities for research engineers. Working here means being part of Silicon Valley, where collaboration with tech leaders is common. The city’s tech ecosystem provides a stimulating work environment.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $184,959
    Santa Clara offers a thriving tech environment for research professionals. The presence of major tech companies creates a collaborative atmosphere. Engineers here enjoy a dynamic work setting with plenty of opportunities for growth and development.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $182,890
    In Mountain View, engineers have access to top-tier tech companies. The city's focus on innovation makes it a prime location for research and development. Professionals here work in a vibrant, collaborative environment that fosters creativity.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  6. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $176,229
    Sunnyvale is a key player in the tech industry, offering numerous opportunities for engineers. The city’s vibrant tech scene includes many companies that value research and development. Working here means being part of a community that pushes technological boundaries.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Livermore, CA
    Average Salary: $153,339
    Livermore provides a unique environment for research engineers, particularly in areas like national security and energy. The city is home to major research institutions. Professionals here work on impactful projects that benefit society.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Livermore, CA


  8. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $152,995
    Menlo Park is known for its tech innovations, offering a stimulating environment for research engineers. Many successful startups and tech companies are based here. Professionals enjoy a vibrant, innovative atmosphere that supports their work.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  9. Berkeley, CA
    Average Salary: $120,130
    Berkeley is a hub for academic and tech research. The city offers many opportunities for engineers to work alongside leading universities and tech firms. The environment here is perfect for those who enjoy both academic and industry collaboration.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $93,848
    Oakland provides a diverse environment for research engineers. The city has a mix of tech startups and established companies. Working here offers the chance to engage with a variety of industries and innovative projects.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Research Engineer in San Francisco, CA?

Research Engineers in San Francisco have access to top-tier companies with competitive pay. OpenAI leads the pack with an average salary of $380,858, followed closely by Apple at $201,217. Autodesk and University of California - San Francisco also offer robust compensation packages. These companies value skilled Research Engineers and provide excellent opportunities for professional growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $380,858 and University of California - San Francisco with the lowest at $134,433.

  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $380,858
    OpenAI in San Francisco offers dynamic roles for Research Engineers. They work on cutting-edge projects in AI. The company promotes innovative thinking and has a strong impact on the tech industry. Employees enjoy a collaborative environment and opportunities for professional growth.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $201,217
    At Apple, Research Engineers in San Francisco focus on product innovation and technology development. Apple provides a prestigious platform for engineers to contribute to groundbreaking projects. The company's culture values creativity and teamwork. Research Engineers work closely with top-tier talent in a fast-paced environment.


  3. Autodesk
    Average Salary: $157,542
    Autodesk offers exciting opportunities for Research Engineers in San Francisco. They work on projects that shape the future of design and engineering software. Autodesk encourages a balance between innovation and practical applications. The company operates globally, with a strong presence in tech hubs.


  4. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $134,433
    The University of California - San Francisco provides a unique setting for Research Engineers. They engage in pioneering research in healthcare and technology. The university supports interdisciplinary projects that impact society. Researchers benefit from a supportive academic environment and collaborations with leading experts.

Currently 134 Research Engineer job openings, nationwide.

View Research Engineer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

How's the job market for a Research Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Research Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Research Engineer today.
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Research Engineer
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