Scientist Scientist Salary in South San Francisco, CA

Scientist Salary in South San Francisco, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Scientist make in South San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a Scientist is $112,203 per year in South San Francisco, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $112,203 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $9,350 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $2,158 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $54 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In South San Francisco, California, a scientist can expect to earn a competitive salary. On average, a scientist makes about $112,203 per year. This is above the national average for scientists in the United States. The salary range can vary based on experience, education, and specific field of science.

Scientists in South San Francisco often work in biotech and pharmaceutical companies, which tend to offer higher salaries. Many also find roles in research institutions and universities. The city's strong biotech sector attracts many talented professionals, driving up demand for skilled scientists. This demand helps to keep salaries competitive. People in this field have the chance to earn more as they gain experience and advance in their careers.

Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA
View all Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Scientist near South San Francisco, CA?

Burlingame, CA offers one of the highest salaries for scientists at $172,512. Scientists in Foster City, CA also earn above-average salaries at $149,900. Nearby cities like Menlo Park, CA, and Palo Alto, CA, provide competitive wages for scientists with annual earnings around $140,000. Exploring cities such as San Leandro, CA, and Redwood City, CA, continues to show attractive pay for scientists, making these areas desirable for career growth. Oakland, CA, provides an average salary of $129,304 for scientists, while cities like Brisbane, CA, and Hayward, CA, offer slightly lower yet still notable salaries. Mountain View, CA, rounds out the list with scientists earning $123,403 on average.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Scientist jobs near South San Francisco, CA, highlighting Burlingame, CA with the highest at $172,512 and Mountain View, CA with the lowest at $123,403.

  1. Burlingame, CA
    Average Salary: $172,512
    Burlingame offers a mix of tech and healthcare companies. Professionals work in innovative environments with opportunities to collaborate with top firms. The cost of living is high but competitive salaries help balance the budget.
    Find Scientist jobs in Burlingame, CA


  2. Foster City, CA
    Average Salary: $149,900
    Foster City has a vibrant biotech scene. Workers engage in cutting-edge research and development. Companies like Gilead Sciences provide excellent growth opportunities for scientists.
    Find Scientist jobs in Foster City, CA


  3. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $139,651
    Menlo Park is the heart of Silicon Valley. Scientists often work in dynamic tech companies. The environment is collaborative and encourages creativity and innovation.
    Find Scientist jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  4. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $139,576
    Palo Alto has many tech giants like Google and Tesla. Working here means access to the latest technology and research. The city values professionals and offers a high quality of life.
    Find Scientist jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. San Leandro, CA
    Average Salary: $130,950
    San Leandro is a growing tech hub. It offers a balance of work and lifestyle. Companies focus on innovation, providing scientists with exciting projects and a supportive work culture.
    Find Scientist jobs in San Leandro, CA


  6. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $129,858
    Redwood City boasts a strong tech industry. It's a great place for scientists to advance their careers. The community is welcoming and offers many amenities.
    Find Scientist jobs in Redwood City, CA


  7. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $129,304
    Oakland is a diverse and vibrant city. Scientists here work in a range of fields, from tech to environmental science. The city offers a rich cultural experience along with professional growth.
    Find Scientist jobs in Oakland, CA


  8. Brisbane, CA
    Average Salary: $127,088
    Brisbane has a growing tech sector. It provides a mix of small startups and established firms. The city offers a friendly atmosphere and a good work-life balance.
    Find Scientist jobs in Brisbane, CA


  9. Hayward, CA
    Average Salary: $125,755
    Hayward has a mix of industries, including tech and biotech. Professionals can find opportunities for growth and innovation. The cost of living is lower than nearby cities, offering good value.
    Find Scientist jobs in Hayward, CA


  10. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $123,403
    Mountain View is home to several tech giants like Google. Scientists here work on groundbreaking projects. The city offers a high standard of living and plenty of recreational activities.
    Find Scientist jobs in Mountain View, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Scientist in South San Francisco, CA?

Top companies in South San Francisco, CA, offer excellent opportunities for scientists seeking high-paying positions. Calico Life Sciences leads with an average salary of $170,857, attracting talent with its innovative research focus. Merck and Cellares also provide competitive compensation, making them attractive options for professionals in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Scientist jobs in South San Francisco, CA, highlighting Calico Life Sciences with the highest at $170,857 and LabCorp with the lowest at $117,670.

  1. Calico Life Sciences
    Average Salary: $170,857
    Calico Life Sciences, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is a research and development company focused on longevity. It operates in South San Francisco, CA, where it explores the biology of aging. The company offers innovative roles for scientists to engage in groundbreaking research.


  2. Merck
    Average Salary: $150,182
    Merck, a global pharmaceutical company, offers diverse opportunities for scientists in South San Francisco. The company focuses on biopharmaceutical research. Merck supports scientists in developing new treatments and therapies for various conditions.


  3. Cellares
    Average Salary: $150,000
    Cellares is a biotech company located in South San Francisco that specializes in advanced cell and gene therapy. The company creates life-changing treatments for patients. Scientists at Cellares work on cutting-edge projects in a dynamic environment.


  4. CYTOKINETICS
    Average Salary: $144,000
    CYTOKINETICS is a biopharmaceutical company in South San Francisco that focuses on muscle activation. The company develops treatments for neuromuscular and cardiovascular diseases. Scientists here play a crucial role in discovering new therapeutic approaches.


  5. Denali Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $138,414
    Denali Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company in South San Francisco. It works on developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists contribute to innovative research, aiming to improve patient outcomes.


  6. Veracyte, Inc.
    Average Salary: $138,167
    Veracyte, Inc. is based in South San Francisco and specializes in molecular diagnostics. The company focuses on providing precise answers to improve patient care. Scientists at Veracyte work on developing advanced diagnostic tests.


  7. AbbVie
    Average Salary: $131,943
    AbbVie, a research-driven biopharmaceutical company, has a location in South San Francisco. It focuses on discovering and delivering innovative medicines. Scientists contribute to the development of treatments for complex diseases.


  8. TWIST BIOSCIENCE
    Average Salary: $128,231
    TWIST BIOSCIENCE, located in South San Francisco, is a leader in synthetic biology. The company uses its technology to create complex biological systems. Scientists here have the opportunity to work on pioneering projects in a fast-paced environment.


  9. Brightseed
    Average Salary: $127,900
    Brightseed is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco that focuses on using artificial intelligence to discover plant-based ingredients. The company aims to transform health through science. Scientists at Brightseed work on innovative research to identify new health benefits.


  10. LabCorp
    Average Salary: $117,670
    LabCorp, a global life sciences company, has a presence in South San Francisco. It provides comprehensive clinical laboratory services. Scientists work on developing diagnostic tests and improving patient care through advanced research.

Currently 612 Scientist job openings, nationwide.

View Scientist Jobs in South San Francisco, CA

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