Software Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
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How much does a Software Engineer make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $184,357 per year in San Francisco, CA.

In San Francisco, California, software engineers enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation. On average, a software engineer can expect to earn around $184,357 per year. This figure reflects the high demand for tech talent in the area and the competitive nature of the job market.

The salary range for software engineers in San Francisco can vary widely based on experience, skills, and the specific company. Entry-level positions might start around $88,400, while seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $315,000. Companies like Google, Apple, and various startups often offer salaries at the higher end of the spectrum. Additionally, many tech firms provide benefits such as stock options, bonuses, and other perks, which can significantly boost total compensation.

Software Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA

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

Software engineers near San Francisco, CA, can find top-paying job opportunities in several cities. San Mateo, CA, leads with an average salary of $186,009. Santa Clara, CA, and Sunnyvale, CA, follow closely with average salaries of $178,649 and $175,694, respectively. These cities offer competitive compensation packages for tech professionals. Other cities like Palo Alto, CA, and Daly City, CA, also provide attractive salaries for software engineers. Mountain View, CA, and Mill Valley, CA, offer average salaries of $173,159 and $173,125, respectively. These locations are ideal for those seeking high-paying roles in the tech industry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting San Mateo, CA with the highest at $186,009 and San Jose, CA with the lowest at $159,499.
  1. San Mateo, CA
    Average Salary: $186,009
    San Mateo offers a vibrant tech scene with many opportunities for software developers. Companies like Google and Salesforce are nearby, making it a great place to work. The area is known for its friendly community and beautiful weather.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Mateo, CA


  2. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $178,649
    Santa Clara is a hub for tech giants such as Intel and Apple. Working here means being part of a dynamic environment with many chances to grow. The city's tech-friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for software engineers.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $175,694
    Sunnyvale is home to numerous tech companies, including eBay and VMware. It offers a lively work environment with many networking opportunities. The city's modern infrastructure makes commuting easy.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $173,702
    Palo Alto is known for its innovative tech companies, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Working here means being part of a cutting-edge industry. The city offers a high quality of life with its parks and cultural events.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. Daly City, CA
    Average Salary: $173,358
    Daly City provides a mix of tech jobs and a quieter lifestyle. Companies like Oracle and Genentech offer opportunities for software engineers. The area is diverse and has a strong sense of community.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Daly City, CA


  6. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $173,159
    Mountain View is famous for being the home of Google. It offers many job opportunities for software developers. The city is known for its innovation and vibrant social scene.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  7. Mill Valley, CA
    Average Salary: $173,125
    Mill Valley offers a blend of tech jobs and a scenic environment. Companies like Dropbox and Tesla are nearby. The area is known for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Mill Valley, CA


  8. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $171,637
    Menlo Park is known for its tech companies, including Facebook. It offers many opportunities for software engineers. The city is vibrant and has a strong community spirit.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  9. Brisbane, CA
    Average Salary: $160,355
    Brisbane offers a quieter tech environment with companies like Oracle. It provides a good work-life balance. The city is known for its parks and family-friendly atmosphere.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Brisbane, CA


  10. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $159,499
    San Jose is a major tech center with companies like Cisco and Adobe. It offers many job opportunities for software engineers. The city is diverse and has a lively cultural scene.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA

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

Software engineers in San Francisco can find top-paying jobs at companies like Anthropic and OpenAI. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive to skilled professionals. Other notable employers include Comcast, Alchemy, and Sigma Computing, all providing excellent compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting Anthropic with the highest at $325,250 and Pinterest with the lowest at $227,712.
  1. Anthropic
    Average Salary: $325,250
    Anthropic offers exciting opportunities for Software Engineers in San Francisco. The company focuses on AI safety and innovation. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  2. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $319,647
    OpenAI provides a dynamic environment for Software Engineers in San Francisco. The company works on cutting-edge AI technologies. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  3. Comcast
    Average Salary: $252,799
    Comcast offers competitive salaries for Software Engineers in San Francisco. The company provides a range of tech services. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  4. Alchemy
    Average Salary: $242,500
    Alchemy offers rewarding Software Engineer positions in San Francisco. The company focuses on digital transformation. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  5. Sigma Computing
    Average Salary: $235,625
    Sigma Computing provides excellent opportunities for Software Engineers in San Francisco. The company specializes in data analytics. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  6. ThousandEyes
    Average Salary: $234,420
    ThousandEyes offers attractive salaries for Software Engineers in San Francisco. The company focuses on digital experience monitoring. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  7. Cisco
    Average Salary: $231,800
    Cisco offers competitive Software Engineer positions in San Francisco. The company is a leader in networking technology. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  8. GoodRx
    Average Salary: $230,900
    GoodRx offers rewarding Software Engineer roles in San Francisco. The company focuses on making healthcare more affordable. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  9. Airtable
    Average Salary: $230,533
    Airtable provides excellent opportunities for Software Engineers in San Francisco. The company specializes in collaborative work management. It operates in San Francisco, CA.


  10. Pinterest
    Average Salary: $227,712
    Pinterest offers competitive Software Engineer positions in San Francisco. The company focuses on visual discovery and bookmarking. It operates in San Francisco, CA.

Currently 7,791 Software Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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

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Position
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Software Engineer
7,791 Job Openings