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Salary

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

The average salary for a Research Engineer is $304,239 per year in San Francisco, CA.

Research Engineers in San Francisco, CA, typically earn a strong yearly salary. The average annual income stands at around $304,239. This amount shows that the job is well-paid compared to many other careers. With San Francisco's high cost of living, this salary helps Research Engineers meet their financial needs.

Different experience levels bring different pay scales. Entry-level Research Engineers may start around $112,500. As experience grows, salaries can increase significantly. Top-tier Research Engineers can earn up to $500,000 per year. This range reflects the value that experience and expertise bring to the role.

Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA

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

If you aim to work as a Research Engineer near San Francisco, CA, look no further than San Jose. This city offers the highest average salary for this role. Those who choose to work in Palo Alto or Mountain View can also expect competitive pay. Beyond the tech giants' usual spots, cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale provide attractive salary packages for Research Engineers. Cities like Livermore, Berkeley, and Oakland may offer lower salaries but still provide access to dynamic tech environments.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Engineer jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $221,181 and Oakland, CA with the lowest at $93,848.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $221,181
    In San Jose, professionals find a thriving tech hub. Many top companies hire skilled engineers to innovate and push the boundaries of technology. With a strong job market, there are ample opportunities for career growth.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $208,990
    Palo Alto boasts a dynamic environment for engineering talent. Home to tech giants like Google and Facebook, this city offers a chance to work on cutting-edge projects. Engineers here enjoy a collaborative atmosphere and advanced facilities.
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  3. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $187,920
    Mountain View is known for its rich tech ecosystem. With companies like Google and YouTube, engineers contribute to world-class technology. The city values innovation and offers a supportive environment for career advancement.
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  4. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $184,609
    Santa Clara has a strong tech presence with companies like Intel and Apple. Engineers work on groundbreaking projects in a city that supports innovation. The area offers diverse opportunities for professional development.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $176,249
    Sunnyvale attracts tech talent with its vibrant startup scene. Engineers here enjoy a mix of established firms and new ventures. The city fosters an environment where innovation thrives, providing many career opportunities.
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  6. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $154,728
    Menlo Park, with its concentration of tech companies, offers an exciting place for engineers. Firms like Facebook offer challenging projects and a culture of innovation. The city provides a rewarding environment for career growth.
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  7. Livermore, CA
    Average Salary: $148,417
    Livermore combines a tech-focused environment with a community feel. Companies like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory offer engineers the chance to work on critical projects. The city provides a balanced lifestyle with opportunities for professional growth.
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  8. Berkeley, CA
    Average Salary: $129,075
    Berkeley, known for its academic excellence, is a hotspot for research and innovation. Engineers work alongside some of the brightest minds, collaborating on advanced projects. The city's academic influence fosters a culture of continuous learning.
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  9. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $93,848
    Oakland offers a unique blend of tech innovation and cultural richness. Engineers here contribute to projects that impact the community. The city's diverse environment promotes creativity and professional development.
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What are the best paying companies for a Research Engineer in San Francisco, CA?

Looking for a Research Engineer job in San Francisco, California? OpenAI stands out with top-tier pay. The average salary at OpenAI is around $384,986, which is much higher than other companies. Autodesk and Apple also offer competitive salaries, with averages around $160,783 and $201,217, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $384,986 and University of California - San Francisco with the lowest at $134,433.
  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $384,986
    OpenAI in San Francisco focuses on creating safe artificial intelligence. Research Engineers here play a key role in developing cutting-edge AI technologies. The company operates globally with major offices worldwide.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $201,217
    At Apple, Research Engineers contribute to advancing technology innovations. They work on various projects from San Francisco to other locations around the world. Apple’s commitment to excellence makes it a top choice for tech enthusiasts.


  3. Autodesk
    Average Salary: $160,783
    Autodesk offers exciting opportunities for Research Engineers in San Francisco. They focus on software development for design and engineering. Autodesk has multiple locations worldwide, providing diverse work experiences.


  4. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $134,433
    Research Engineers at the University of California - San Francisco engage in innovative projects. They work in a research-driven environment, contributing to advancements in healthcare and technology. The university’s San Francisco campus is its main location.

Currently 128 Research Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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.
Position
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Research Engineer
128 Job Openings