Research Engineer Research Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Research Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
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Salary

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

The average salary for a Research Engineer is $297,727 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 $297,727 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 $24,811 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 $5,726 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 higher salaries compared to other cities. The average yearly salary for a Research Engineer in this area is $297,727. This means that most Research Engineers can expect to earn a good living. Factors such as experience, skills, and the specific industry can influence salary levels.

Different experience levels lead to varying salary ranges. For example, a Research Engineer with less than one year of experience can expect to earn around $112,500 per year. As experience increases, so does the salary. Engineers with over ten years of experience can earn up to $457,500 annually. This range shows that experience significantly impacts earning potential. A Research Engineer in San Francisco can look forward to a rewarding career with opportunities for growth and increased earnings.

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?

If you are a Research Engineer near San Francisco, consider cities like Redwood City, San Jose, and Palo Alto. These cities offer some of the highest salaries in the area, with Redwood City leading at an average of $243,234. San Jose and Palo Alto follow closely, each providing competitive compensation packages. Job seekers in these areas can expect attractive financial benefits along with opportunities to work with top tech companies.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Engineer jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Redwood City, CA with the highest at $243,234 and Oakland, CA with the lowest at $93,848.

  1. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $243,234
    In Redwood City, working as a Research Engineer offers a chance to collaborate with tech giants. Companies like Oracle and Salesforce often have openings that demand innovation in software and systems.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $212,087
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, presents numerous opportunities for Research Engineers. At firms like Intel and Cisco, professionals get to work on cutting-edge technologies that drive the tech industry forward.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $208,990
    Palo Alto, home to many tech startups, is a vibrant place for Research Engineers. Working with companies like Google and Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides exposure to the latest in tech innovation.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  4. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $186,113
    Santa Clara is another tech hub where Research Engineers can thrive. Companies like Tesla and Xilinx offer exciting projects and a chance to contribute to technological advancements.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $182,890
    Mountain View, headquarters to Google, offers a dynamic environment for Research Engineers. Opportunities here often involve developing new algorithms and technologies that shape the future of tech.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  6. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $176,597
    Sunnyvale hosts a mix of tech companies and startups, providing Research Engineers with diverse projects. Working with companies like eBay and VMware, professionals can gain valuable experience in various tech domains.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $152,398
    Menlo Park is known for its innovation, home to Facebook and other tech firms. Research Engineers here have the chance to work on projects that impact a global audience.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  8. Livermore, CA
    Average Salary: $148,417
    Livermore offers a unique blend of tech and research opportunities. Working with companies like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Research Engineers contribute to national security and tech advancements.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Livermore, CA


  9. Berkeley, CA
    Average Salary: $129,075
    In Berkeley, Research Engineers often work at the intersection of technology and academia. Collaboration with UC Berkeley provides a rich environment for innovation and research.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $93,848
    Oakland is a growing tech center with companies like Kaiser Permanente. Research Engineers here can work on projects that improve healthcare technology and patient care.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA

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

Job seekers looking for high-paying Research Engineer positions in San Francisco can consider companies like OpenAI, Apple, and Autodesk. These companies offer top-tier compensation, with salaries well above industry averages. For example, Research Engineers at OpenAI earn an average of $382,857 annually, while Apple and Autodesk provide competitive packages as well. Research Engineers also have opportunities at academic institutions like the University of California - San Francisco, though salaries here are slightly lower, averaging around $134,433. Still, these roles offer the chance to contribute to impactful research and innovation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $382,857 and University of California - San Francisco with the lowest at $134,433.

  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $382,857
    At OpenAI, Research Engineers work on groundbreaking projects in artificial intelligence. The company operates in San Francisco and offers competitive pay and benefits. Employees often have the chance to collaborate with top minds in the AI field.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $201,217
    Apple hires Research Engineers to develop innovative technologies. The company's headquarters is in Cupertino, but it also has offices in San Francisco. Apple provides a dynamic work environment and a strong benefits package.


  3. Autodesk
    Average Salary: $157,542
    Autodesk employs Research Engineers to create design and engineering software. Based in San Rafael, just outside San Francisco, Autodesk offers a creative work atmosphere. Employees enjoy flexible schedules and a range of professional development opportunities.


  4. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $134,433
    The University of California - San Francisco hires Research Engineers for its medical research initiatives. The university operates in San Francisco and is known for its cutting-edge medical research. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment and access to advanced research facilities.

Currently 173 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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