Systems Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

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

The average salary for a Systems Engineer is $159,532 per year in San Francisco, CA.

A Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA, can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average salary for this role is around $159,532 per year. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in the tech industry. Companies in San Francisco value expertise in systems engineering, which helps drive up salaries.

The salary range for Systems Engineers in San Francisco varies. Entry-level positions may start at about $72,500 per year. With experience, salaries can climb to over $289,000 annually. Factors such as education, certifications, and specific skills can influence earnings. Many professionals in this field also receive additional benefits, such as bonuses and stock options, which can further enhance their total compensation package.

Systems Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA

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

Systems Engineers near San Francisco, CA, can find top-paying job opportunities in several cities. Sunnyvale, CA, leads with an average salary of $182,487. Menlo Park, CA, and Santa Clara, CA, follow closely, offering salaries around $170,000. These cities provide excellent career prospects for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Systems Engineer jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Sunnyvale, CA with the highest at $182,487 and Berkeley, CA with the lowest at $144,261.
  1. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $182,487
    Sunnyvale offers a vibrant tech scene with many opportunities for those in the IT field. Companies like VMware and NetApp provide dynamic environments for professionals. The city's tech-centric culture makes it a great place to grow your career.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  2. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $169,900
    Menlo Park, home to Facebook, offers a unique blend of tech innovation and community. Working here means being part of a cutting-edge industry. The city's supportive environment helps professionals thrive.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  3. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $166,696
    Santa Clara is a hub for tech giants like Intel and Apple. It offers a chance to work on groundbreaking projects. The city's strong tech presence provides many opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $166,673
    Mountain View, known for Google, offers a chance to work in a leading tech company. The city's innovative spirit makes it an exciting place to be. Professionals here enjoy a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  5. Hayward, CA
    Average Salary: $157,384
    Hayward provides a mix of tech opportunities and a lower cost of living. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Chevron offer diverse roles. The city's growing tech scene makes it a promising place for career growth.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Hayward, CA


  6. South San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $155,310
    South San Francisco is a growing tech hub with companies like Genentech and Illumina. It offers a mix of biotech and tech opportunities. The city's expanding industry provides many chances for professionals to advance.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  7. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $147,403
    Palo Alto, home to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, offers a chance to work in a historic tech company. The city's innovative culture makes it a great place for career growth. Professionals here enjoy a mix of challenges and opportunities.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $147,059
    San Jose is a major tech center with companies like Cisco and eBay. It offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment. The city's strong tech presence provides many opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Livermore, CA
    Average Salary: $145,928
    Livermore offers a mix of tech and national security opportunities with companies like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. It provides a unique and rewarding work environment. The city's focus on innovation makes it a great place for professionals.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Livermore, CA


  10. Berkeley, CA
    Average Salary: $144,261
    Berkeley offers a mix of tech and academic opportunities. Companies like UC Berkeley and various startups provide diverse roles. The city's innovative spirit makes it a great place for career growth and learning.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA

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

Palo Alto Networks offers one of the highest salaries for Systems Engineers in San Francisco, with an average of $223,533. Salesforce follows closely, providing an average salary of $216,185. Sephora also pays well, with an average salary of $204,178. These companies value skilled Systems Engineers and offer competitive compensation. Stytch, Inclusively, and Grantek Systems Integration also provide attractive salaries. Stytch pays an average of $175,000, while Inclusively offers $149,375. Grantek Systems Integration provides an average salary of $122,000. These companies recognize the importance of Systems Engineers and offer good pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Systems Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting Palo Alto Networks with the highest at $223,533 and Grantek Systems Integration with the lowest at $122,000.
  1. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $223,533
    Palo Alto Networks offers exciting Systems Engineer roles. They focus on network security and operate globally. Their San Francisco office is a hub for innovation.


  2. Salesforce
    Average Salary: $216,185
    Salesforce provides Systems Engineer positions with a focus on cloud computing and CRM. They have a strong presence in San Francisco and worldwide.


  3. Sephora
    Average Salary: $204,178
    Sephora offers Systems Engineer jobs with a focus on retail technology. They operate many stores in San Francisco and across the country.


  4. Stytch
    Average Salary: $175,000
    Stytch provides Systems Engineer roles with a focus on authentication and security. They are based in San Francisco and serve clients globally.


  5. Inclusively
    Average Salary: $149,375
    Inclusively offers Systems Engineer jobs with a focus on accessibility and inclusion. They operate in San Francisco and support clients nationwide.


  6. Grantek Systems Integration
    Average Salary: $122,000
    Grantek Systems Integration provides Systems Engineer positions with a focus on technology integration. They are based in San Francisco and serve clients locally.

Currently 2,329 Systems Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Systems Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Systems Engineer today.
Position
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Systems Engineer
2,329 Job Openings