Backend Engineer Salary in San Francisco (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does backend engineer in San Francisco make?
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In 2026, Backend Engineers in San Francisco earn between $123,985 and $291,411 annually, with a median salary of $190,081. This reflects the city's high demand for tech talent and its elevated cost of living.
Key Facts
- Median salary for Backend Engineers in San Francisco is $190,081.
- Cost of living is 89% higher than the national average.
- Top-paying skills include Redis, Python, and AWS.
- Leading employers are Google, PayPal, and Uber.
- Housing costs are 80.5% above the national average.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years): Salaries range from approximately $123,985 to $150,000.
Mid-Level (3-5 years): Earnings typically fall between $150,000 and $200,000.
Senior-Level (6-9 years): Compensation ranges from $200,000 to $250,000.
Lead/Principal (10+ years): Salaries can exceed $250,000, reaching up to $291,411.
How San Francisco Compares
San Francisco's cost of living is 89% higher than the U.S. national average. (salary.com) For instance, housing costs are 80.5% higher, with average monthly expenses of $2,166 for a single person. (salary.com) In contrast, cities like Austin and Seattle offer lower living costs, making them attractive alternatives for tech professionals.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in technologies such as Redis ($170,000), Python ($155,000), AWS ($155,000), Java ($150,000), and JavaScript ($150,000) can significantly enhance earning potential. (wellfound.com)
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies like Google, PayPal, Uber, Salesforce, and Microsoft offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. The work culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on developing in-demand skills like Redis and AWS. Consider the high cost of living in San Francisco when evaluating job offers and explore opportunities in cities with a lower cost of living if flexibility allows.
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Backend Engineer Insights — San Francisco
Backend Engineer salaries in San Francisco range from $123,985 to $291,411, a 88% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $190,081 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
San Francisco's cost of living index of 59/100 represents moderate living costs. At a median salary of $190,081, backend engineer professionals here enjoy solid purchasing power relative to higher-cost tech hubs.
The hiring landscape for backend engineer in San Francisco is anchored by employers like Google, PayPal, and Uber, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for backend engineer in San Francisco centers around expertise in Redis, Python, AWS, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $291,411 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Frontend Engineer or Full Stack Developer.
Related Roles in San Francisco
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Engineer | San Francisco | $107,180 - $300,000 | $171,054 |
| QA Engineer | San Francisco | $100,000 - $230,000 | $128,000 |
| Product Manager | San Francisco | $124,264 - $248,937 | $175,881 |
| ML Engineer | San Francisco | $156,276 - $300,778 | $216,805 |
| Frontend Engineer | San Francisco | $89,000 - $240,000 | $147,625 |
| iOS Developer |
Backend Engineer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Backend Engineer in San Francisco?
The average salary is approximately $190,081 per year, with a range from $123,985 to $291,411.
How does San Francisco's cost of living affect Backend Engineers?
With a cost of living 89% higher than the national average, higher salaries may be offset by increased expenses, particularly in housing and transportation.
Which skills can increase a Backend Engineer's salary in San Francisco?
Skills such as Redis, Python, AWS, Java, and JavaScript are highly valued and can lead to higher compensation.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for backend engineer in San Francisco is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)