Research Engineer Research Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Research Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

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

The average salary for a Research Engineer is $298,916 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 $298,916 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 $24,910 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 $5,748 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 $144 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Research Engineers in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. On average, they earn about $298,916 a year. This figure can change based on experience and the specific company.

To break it down, here are some typical salary ranges:

  • 25th percentile: Around $136,955
  • 50th percentile: About $211,064
  • 75th percentile: Up to $359,282

These numbers show that with more experience, Research Engineers can expect to see their salaries rise significantly. This makes the field very attractive for those looking to invest in their career growth.

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?

Research Engineers can expect high salaries near San Francisco, CA, especially in cities like San Jose and Palo Alto. The average salary in San Jose reaches $229,216, making it a top choice for professionals. In Palo Alto, Research Engineers earn an average of $227,528, offering another lucrative opportunity close to the Bay Area. The area's tech hub status creates many jobs with competitive pay. Other cities like Santa Clara and Mountain View also provide average salaries above $200,000, ensuring attractive career options.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Engineer jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $229,216 and Oakland, CA with the lowest at $105,720.

  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $229,216
    In San Jose, tech innovators thrive. Many prominent companies look for skilled engineers to push the limits of technology. The job market is competitive, with many opportunities for growth.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $227,528
    Palo Alto is a hub for tech giants. Working here means collaborating with some of the smartest minds in the industry. Companies like Google and LinkedIn offer exciting projects and growth chances.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $212,801
    Santa Clara offers a mix of established firms and startups. Engineers here work on cutting-edge projects in a dynamic environment. Companies such as Intel and Qualcomm provide a chance to make a real impact.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $210,020
    Mountain View is famous for being Google's home. Engineers work on projects that shape the future of tech. The city's innovation-driven culture makes it a great place to build a career.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  5. Berkeley, CA
    Average Salary: $206,242
    Berkeley boasts a rich academic and tech scene. Engineers here benefit from a strong support network. The University of California and various startups offer diverse opportunities.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $182,865
    Sunnyvale's tech companies focus on software and hardware innovation. Engineers in this city work on projects that drive tech forward. The area is home to many startups and established firms.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $153,818
    Menlo Park is known for its vibrant tech community. Working here means being at the forefront of tech innovation. Companies like Facebook and various startups offer a dynamic work environment.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  8. Livermore, CA
    Average Salary: $153,426
    Livermore combines tech innovation with research. Engineers here work on projects with significant global impact. The city's focus on science and technology offers unique opportunities.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Livermore, CA


  9. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $105,720
    Oakland's tech scene is growing fast. Engineers in this city enjoy a mix of established companies and startups. The city's diversity and innovation make it a great place to work.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA

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

For job seekers interested in Research Engineer roles in San Francisco, several companies offer competitive pay. OpenAI, for example, provides an average salary of about $393,585. Handshake and Cylera follow closely, offering salaries around $295,000 and $200,000, respectively. Together AI, Autodesk, and Meta also offer attractive salaries, making them appealing options for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $393,585 and Gladstone Institutes with the lowest at $91,660.

  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $393,585
    OpenAI in San Francisco is a leading company in the field of artificial intelligence research. They focus on creating safe AI that benefits everyone. Researchers here work on developing new models and technologies. Their office is located at 315 Charles St, San Francisco.


  2. Handshake
    Average Salary: $295,000
    Handshake in San Francisco is a company that specializes in technology solutions for the workforce. They aim to help individuals find meaningful employment. Research Engineers here develop algorithms to improve hiring and job search processes. They operate from 1100 4th St, San Francisco.


  3. Cylera
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Cylera in San Francisco is a firm dedicated to securing the Internet of Things (IoT). They create software to protect IoT devices from cyber threats. Research Engineers at Cylera work on innovative solutions to enhance IoT security. Their office is at 640 Townsend St, San Francisco.


  4. Together AI
    Average Salary: $173,400
    Together AI in San Francisco focuses on machine learning solutions for businesses. They build tools to help companies use AI more effectively. Research Engineers here develop and optimize machine learning models. The company operates from 888 4th St, San Francisco.


  5. Autodesk
    Average Salary: $148,368
    Autodesk in San Francisco is known for its software products in design, engineering, and entertainment. They support professionals in creating 3D designs. Research Engineers at Autodesk work on improving software features. Their office is at 1111 Franklin St, San Francisco.


  6. Meta
    Average Salary: $147,272
    Meta in San Francisco is a company that creates social media platforms and tools. They focus on connecting people and enhancing digital experiences. Research Engineers here develop new technologies and improve existing ones. They operate from 1601 Willow Rd, San Francisco.


  7. Gladstone Institutes
    Average Salary: $91,660
    Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco is a research organization dedicated to medical science. They aim to discover treatments for diseases. Research Engineers here work on developing new research tools and methods. Their office is at 1650 Owens St, San Francisco.

Currently 231 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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