Average Salary in San Francisco, CA
Across the 411 professional occupations we track, the median salary in San Francisco is $142,000/year. San Francisco, California offers career opportunities with 9.3% state income tax. All figures are San Francisco-specific, adjusted for local cost of living and updated quarterly from BLS and H-1B disclosures.
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Working in San Francisco, California: Salary Guide (2026)
San Francisco is home to the San FranciscoβCA metropolitan area with a population of 873,965. The city has a cost of living index of 224 (US average = 100), meaning living costs are above the national average.
California has a 9.3% state income tax rate. When comparing offers with cities in no-income-tax states like Texas, Washington, or Florida, factor in this difference.
Top-paying industries in San Francisco
San Francisco's economy spans multiple high-wage sectors. The city's diverse employer base creates strong demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
San Francisco salary FAQ
What is the average salary in San Francisco, CA?
Pay in San Francisco varies widely by occupation. Across the 411 professional roles we track, the median salary is about $142,000 per year β adjusted for San Francisco's cost of living (index 224, where 100 is the US average). Use the tables above to see the median for a specific job title.
Which jobs pay the most in San Francisco?
Among the roles we track, SVP of Engineering is the highest-paying in San Francisco at a median of $602,000 per year. Technology, healthcare, and finance roles generally top the list.
Does San Francisco have a state income tax?
Yes β California levies a 9.3% state income tax, which reduces take-home pay versus no-tax states like Texas, Florida, and Washington.
How far does a salary go in San Francisco?
San Francisco's cost of living index is 224 (US average = 100), so living costs run about 124% above the US average. A $142,000 salary here has roughly the buying power of $63,393 in an average-cost city.